SWINDON Harriers’ teenager Al Virgilio is celebrating his first national medal after landing silver in the Under-15s 800m at the England Indoor Championships.

The 14-year-old from Old Town scooped the medal in style after carving two seconds off his personal best with a time of 2:04 in Sheffield.

Virgilio, who is coached by Kevin Buttle,was only behind the UK’s current number one, Calum Dick (2:02.24).

Virgilio said: “I’m over the moon with that. I’d say that is my best achievement so far for sure, and the PB was incredible.”

Buttle was also quick to add his tribute: “This was Alessandro’s target for the indoor season, and I am really pleased for him that he has his first national medal.

“He works really hard in training and richly deserves this success.”

It was a great way to end the indoor season and will give Virgilio an extra spring in his step as he and Buttle turn their focus towards the outdoor campaign.

“I can’t wait for the summer, I’m pumped up to get going now!” added Virgilio.

Also at the England Indoor Championships, Harriers’ Ella Spencer was fifth in the U17s 1500m while Delleah Belgrave placed eighth in the U20s long jump.

Elsewhere, Matt Woodward followed up his win at the Welsh Senior Championships with a big PB of 4mins 13.66secs at the indoor Ayo Falola Dream Mile in London.

“The mile was a great race to be part of, both with the PB and also feeling ‘at home’ by being able to properly compete in those races with that sort of strength in depth,” said Woodward.

“It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come in such a short space of time, so I’m really pleased.”

Harriers’ sprinter Tye Leo-Stroud raced for the first time in six months after rupturing his hamstring.

“It’s fantastic to be back doing what I love, for the team I love,” said Leo-Stroud, who ran 7.50secs for 60m at the recent South of England Indoor U20 Championships.

Veteran Michael Sloman smashed his PB by over three minutes as he clocked 62mins 25secs to finish 21st in the Wiltshire 10-mile road race.