WHILE other sixteen-year-olds wait nervously for their GCSE results, Charlie Denman from Mile End has filled the time by becoming a sporting world champion.

Charlie, who took up racerunning less than two years ago, scooped gold, silver and bronze medals at the CPIRSA World Games in Barcelona earlier this month.

The racerunner has allowed Charlie, who was born with congenital ataxic cerebral palsy with quadriplegia, to speed to victory and even smash world records, despite being unable to walk unsupported.

Mum Amy Price Breese said: “Charlie is ecstatic with her result. She announced after gaining two bronzes and a silver medal, that she was getting a gold in her last race (400m). She had great times in her heat, so gained the confidence to go out and win.

“She managed to beat the world recorder holder and current world champion.

“She’s very proud to represent England and hopes to go on to more national and international competitions next year. Her main aim is to be selected to represent Great Britain. 

“She’s been so supported by our local community and the Dean Academy, where she studied, and so many people have donated to get Charlie to Barcelona. She can’t thank everyone enough for giving her this opportunity.”

Lydney Paralympian, Andy Lewis, said: “Charlie had a great games and returns to Coleford a world champion. With gold in 400m RR3, she also medaled at every event she entered.

“She narrowly missed out on GBR selection for the Europeans in Berlin, as they’re only showcasing 100m racerunning and it wasn’t her focus this year.

“Hopefully with a lot of hard work on starts she may get there.

“I would love to highlight to the people of the Forest that people like this bring a smile to the faces of others. She is a very determined young lady with lots of potential.”

Charlie is joining the new college in Cinderford to study their First Steps course in September.

She picks up her exam results on Thursday.