WILL Crisp can now reflect proudly on a terrific English Schools’ career after adding a third medal to his collection, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The 18-year-old, from Hinton Parva, cemented his record as one of the most successful Swindon Harriers athletes ever in the championships with a bronze medal in the senior boys’ 800m.

That medal complements a silver won last year, also in the senior boys’ age group, and a bronze as a junior boy in the 800m on his debut in 2014.

“I guess there is something poetic in ending my schools’ career with a bronze having also started it with one,” said Crisp.

“That was won in Birmingham as well as was my silver last year, so it has been a good track for me. Overall, I have to be happy with that.”

Crisp knew he had to deliver a big performance on his farewell appearance in the championships as he went into the event fifth fastest of the starters, having had a low-key summer with priority given to his A Level exams.

That left him short of full fitness and race sharpness, but a couple of key sessions with coach Bryan Clinton put him in decent shape, and with a good championship record, he was always in with a chance to produce his best performance of the season.

“I have to thank Bryan for getting me into shape so quickly. I have no idea how he did it,” added Crisp.

“To be honest, my season has only just really started, so I went into the event hoping for a medal but aware I was only fifth in the UK rankings.

“With my limited preparation, I was delighted to get one and the race was run in my favour really as the winner recorded splits of 57 and 52 seconds. I was at the back of the field for most of the race and I came from sixth to third in the last 120 metres as some of the others paid for trying to follow that pace.

“A complete set of medals would have been nice, but I am definitely very happy with that outcome.”

Crisp was representing Gloucestershire, having switched his A Level studies to Cheltenham over the past two years, and he was joined in the team by Harriers club-mate Ben McIntyre.

McIntyre, who is coached by Kevin Buttle, finished sixth in the inter boys’ 1,500m steeplechase final, clocking a time of 4mins 36.48secs, which was a personal best by over five seconds to lift him to ninth in the UK rankings for U17 men and is quickest in the South West.

Competing in the senior boys’ hammer for the first time, Ridgway School’s Josh Ricketts finished a creditable seventh with a superb throw of 50.67m, which smashed his personal best by over four metres.

In the junior boys’ 800m, Ridgeway School’s Harry Cunningham finished seventh in his heat, earning valuable experience for the future.

New Balance English Schools’ Championships, Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, (all Wiltshire athletes unless stated) – senior boys 800: 7 Robert Howorth 1:55.15; LJ: 5 Jake Burkey 6.71; Hammer: 7 Josh Ricketts 50.67.

Inter boys – Shot: 13 Rory Howorth 12.90; Javelin: 3 Thomas Holmes 57.29.

Junior boys – 100: 6 Omario Henry 11.64; Shot: 14 Mikael Evloer 10.83; Hammer: 3 Owen Merrett 46.60; 5 James Viner 44.63; 14= Harry Ricketts.

Senior girls – 1500 steeplechase: 7 Caitlin Wosika (Avon) 5:10.54; Javelin: 12 Ottilie Knight 35.92.

Inter girls – LJ: 11 Gabrielle Kirkham 5.25; Hammer: 8 Anna Merritt 50.42.

Junior girls – 1500: 1 Bea Wood 4:28.11; 75H: 8 Willa Gibb 11.44; Shot: 8 Georgia Clarke 10.72; Javelin: 5 Megan Galpin 40.61.