A North East teenager has been crowned Britain’s best young obstacle course racer in his
age category, with his younger sister also claiming a podium finish at the national
championships.

Dame Allan’s Schools pupil Tommy J took first place in the 14–17 age category at the
British OCR Youth Championships on Saturday 17 October. His sister Chloe, a Year 7 pupil at
the Newcastle school, finished third in the 10–11 category.

Tommy, 14, said: “All the running I’d been doing this year really paid off – I’ve been running
100km weeks going into the race and that really helped me get back in front after I came off
the balance beam 3 times!”

Chloe added: “After I crossed the line and was told I was third, it felt great!”

The results cap a successful year for the South Shields siblings, who both competed at the
World Obstacle Course Racing Championships in Ireland in August. Tommy won gold in the
male U16 team relay, while their older brother James, 16, won the open event.

The siblings practise on a purpose-built obstacle rig in their back garden, honing the running,
climbing, grip and technical skills needed to tackle demanding obstacle courses.

Their development is also supported by co-curricular sport at Dame Allan’s Schools in
Newcastle. Tommy takes part in the school’s climbing and running clubs, while Chloe runs,
climbs and attends fencing club.

Tommy dedicates around 15 hours a week to the sport and has his sights set on further
international competition next year.

Neil Seaton, Principal at Dame Allan’s Schools, said: “To finish first and third in their age
categories at a national championship is a brilliant result for Tommy and Chloe. It’s great to
see their commitment to the sport rewarded in this way.”