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Howrunning starKris stumbled into the sport


KRISTIANSamwell-Nashwasn’t that sporty at primary school, but at secondary school, a distinct flare for football shone through. However, his greatest skills


only surfaced when he joined an athletics club for a fitness boost… and was competing nationally withinweeks. Today, with medals, track


records, and 100 competitive races behind him, the 16-year-old from Headcorn stands on the brink of greatness, already her- alded as one of the fastest young runners in the country. But this meteoric rise, which


reads like the plot of a far-fetched movie, almost ended before it began. “I tried it but didn’t like athlet-


ics,” said Kristian, pictured. “I’d taken the sport up to boost my staminawhile Iwas playing foot- ball for LenhamWanderers, but I didn’t find the beginner athletics classes challenging.”


Stella persisted and Kristian


caved in, agreeing to take part in a league event to “make up the numbers”. The rest is history. “Within 10 weeks, he was rep-


resenting Kent at the England Schools Championships at the Alexandra Stadium in Birming- ham,” said David. “He ran the fastest time in the UK in his heat to qualify for the final, and went on towin a silvermedal.” This winter has seen another


He told dad,David, that hewas


prepared to quit. David went to the club and,


while explaining his son’s frustra- tion, was overheard by Team GB coach Stella Bandu. She offered to put Kristian through his paces. “She obviously saw something


in him,” saidDavid. “But hewas- n’t interested.”


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successful campaign for the Ash- ford Athletics Club teenager, in- cluding a 400msilvermedal at the England National Indoor Cham- pionships, and being crowned Kent champion in the U17 heats of the 200mand 400m. But the Lenham School pupil,


whose track career is now being supported byKentCountyCoun- cil’s kentsport.org, knows he has yet to face one of his greatest chal- lenges ever this summer... “My GCSEs,” he said.


News Curry night


FRIENDS ofLeeds andBroomfield Churches are hosting a curry and soul night. The event is to raise money to


help protect the ancient Leeds and Broomfield churches and to pay for all necessary repairs. The curry and soul nightwill be


at Leeds village hall onApril 27 at 7pm,with food provided byKash- mirKitchen and LenhamFarmers’ Market. There will also be a bar andmusic by Sold on Soul. Tickets cost £20 in advance. To


book, call Jenny Hoy on 01622 861280.


Dog classes


TRAINERS are helping owners teach their dogs new tricks to en- sure winning performances in the showring. Detling Ringcraft Club meets at


Detling village hall every Friday. Classes are at 8pm for puppies under sixmonths old, followed by sessions at 8.45pmfor older dogs. There are montly matches, with


class winners qualifying for the club’sDog of the Year contest. Email detlingcs@gmail.com for more information.


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