From taking part in the Blickling Park Run as a 13-year-old to securing international selection, the past few years have proved to be quite a journey for north Norfolk-based athlete Hattie Reynolds.
A consistently disciplined approach to her training regime, coupled with recent impressive performances gained the 17-year-old selection to compete as a junior for England in the International Cross Country fixture staged in Hannut, Belgium.
Eurostar took the team to Brussels for an overnight stop.
Sunday, race day proved to be bitterly cold with flurries of snow making life uncomfortable for the athletes.
Racing over a 4,500m multi-lap course, a little short on distance for Hattie who would have preferred a race over 6,000m.
Undeterred by the shorter challenge, she settled in with the leading group of six throughout the fast-paced race.
With the finish line in sight, Hattie dug deep to battle her way to a splendid fourth place finish.
A superb result in this, her international debut.
The selectors will have been impressed with Hattie’s performance in this top-drawer competition so hopefully another England call-up will not be too far off.
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