Ruth wins orienteering international

Ruth Holmes has become the fastest under 18 girl at orienteering in Great Britain. Ruth, who lives in Nailsbourne, came first in her race at the recent Junior Home International, held on the sand dunes of the Gower peninsula in Wales.

The 17-year old King's College pupil beat off her rivals from Scotland, Wales and Ireland, not to mention the other three girls in the England team, to finish the 8km course over a minute clear of the second placed runner. She now goes on to compete for Great Britain in the Junior European Championships, held in Austria this weekend. She'll be running in the short race over 3km, the 8km long race, and the relay.

"I felt quite strong right through the race," said Ruth, "which must be the result of some really heavy summer training. It's given me a lot of confidence now for the Junior Europeans, though of course the competition now steps up a gear!"