Many congratulations to gifted athlete Rebecca Butler who shone at the Army Cadet Force National Athletics Championships in Grantham on June 14th, winning the junior shot putt with a personal best throw.

“I was really pleased to win,” said Rebecca, 13, a year 9 student at out school and a member of Bishop Auckland detachment of the Durham Army Cadet Force.

She enjoyed taking part in the championships and was delighted to throw a personal best of 9.26 metres.

“I am proud of getting a new personal best,” said Rebecca, who was competing against five other regional champions in her event. As one of the youngest competitors, she will also be eligible to compete in the junior event next year.

Rebecca, who is a member of the Bishop Auckland detachment of the Durham Cadet Force, received a medal to add to her growing collection. Her dream is to compete in the London Olympics in 2012.

Eight of the ten ACF regions took part in the championships with the North East team finishing second behind London, the clear winner.

Ben Johnson, Director of Specialism (Sport) said: “We are delighted for Rebecca and she deserves all her success. She is registered as a Gifted and Talented PE student at the school and will be a part of the Junior Athlete Education Programme next year. She is a very dedicated person and we are now looking for a suitable athletics club to help Rebecca progress further.”