Alex takes a giant leap

ATHLETICS: Newbury jumper claims gold at Schools Games and thrower sets a new world best

NEWBURY schoolboy Alex Craninx leaped to a gold medal in the Sainsbury's UK School Games in Sheffield.

The 16-year-old Newbury Athletics Club jumper from Park House School cleared 1.99 metres in his debut at the games, not far short of his personal best of 2.02m.

“I am absolutely over the moon to win the gold," her said. "I was really hoping for the gold and I thought that I had a good chance but I didn't want to disappoint myself.

“My jump wasn't the best I can do but I was still pleased with it and it was a nice way to finish the season."

His next aim is to qualify for the English Schools' Championships next year.

YOUNG Newbury thrower Jamie Kuehnel has set a new world record with his performance at the Midlands Masters Throwing Group's Hammer Decathlon Championships.

The Newbury Athletics Club teenager set a new under-15 world record score of 4,761 points by throwing a personal best in each of the 10 events at the championships staged at Derby Moorways.

They saw him hurl three throws each of hammers from 2 kg to 12.5 kg, also improving his best to 42.71 metres with his customary 4 kg hammer.

The 14-year old was a clear winner in the under 15 section, the latest in a series of successes this year.