Stratford AC's Alex Adams says there's more to come after 'insane' England debut at SIAB Schools International Cross-Country Championships

RISING star Alex Adams says there are “bigger and better things to come” after an “insane” England debut at the SIAB Schools International Cross-Country Championships.

The impressive 16-year-old was selected to represent his country at the championships at Pembrey Country Park, Wales, after finishing fourth at the previous week’s English Schools Cross-Country Championships.

On a glorious sunny day at Pembrey Country Park, the championships provided top-class competition for the stars of the future, with teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales all competing.

While the weather was perfect for spectators, the heat was certainly not welcomed by the competitors, with all of them taking on water prior to their races.

As well as the soaring temperatures, runners had to contend with an extremely challenging course that featured steep inclines and running on sand.

Adams came back with a team gold medal in the Inter Boys’ category, finishing the 6km course in the top half in 15th place with a time of 22:04.

It proved to be a hugely successful day for England, who came away with a clean sweep of ten gold medals.

Adams said after the race: “It was a hot race and a horrible course of both hard ground and sandy hills. I felt I ran OK, but I was disappointed with my end result.

“Nonetheless, I was there for the experience and what an experience it was. The England team was great and all the boys got on very well. Not only the England boys, but the Irish as well, and to be able to keep in contact with them will be brilliant.”

He added: “Taking team gold topped the day, bringing home an international medal. To be walking round as an international athlete was absolutely insane.

“This is just the beginning, bigger and better things to come.”