SWINDON runner Nyle Clinton will be heading to America next year after being given a fantastic opportunity to pursue his sporting ambitions, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

Clinton will take up a two-year scholarship to study for an MBA in Business Administration at Bradley College, near Chicago.

“It was a deal I couldn’t say no to,” admitted Clinton, who is a former student at Greendown School (now Lydiard Park Academy).

“I was approached by a couple of universities but Bradley’s offer was excellent as it was a two-year scholarship including accommodation and living expenses.

“They also have a Scottish coach, who sounded really keen when I spoke to him on the telephone.

“It is very exciting and I am really looking forward to going there next August.”

Clinton graduated from Brunel University this summer with a degree in accounting and finance, so the MBA was a logical progression and one that will allow him the scope to develop as a runner.

As for the present, Clinton’s ambitions are on hold as he recovers from a knee injury that flared up after the end of a successful track season, which saw him run personal bests at 1500m, 3000m, 5000m and the 3000m steeplechase.

“I had a break after the track season but within a week of coming back, I got this knee problem and need to have a couple months' rest,” added Clinton.

“I have just started light running again and so far, so good.”

  • YOUNGSTER Ben McIntyre, who is coached by Nyle’s dad Bryan at Swindon Harriers, has no such problems at the moment. Last weekend, he ran superbly to finish third in the junior boys’ race at the semi finals of the English Schools’ Cross Country Cup, ensuring he will line up for the finals in Bedford next month.

“Ben only recently came back from holiday and was a little rusty, so that was a good run,” said Bryan Clinton.

  • SWINDON Harriers' Kate Jacobs will make her debut for England in Dublin today at the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International.

Jacobs’ selection for the England squad to take on Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales comes as a reward after a tremendous summer in which she won the British Masters title at 5000m on the track.

In her last outing, Jacobs smashed her personal best in the Stroud half marathon.