A 13-year-old pupil from Hindhead has become the fastest boy in the UK at U15 level by some 22 seconds.

Luke Van Oudtshoorn, who goes to St Edmund’s school, ran 3,000m at Watford in a time of 8 minutes 53.66 seconds

Luke, is also the seventh all-time fastest boy – Mo Farah has the third all-time fastest time for the same distance when he was competing in that age group.

As a 13 year old, Luke has the records for the fastest-ever UK time and European time for 3,000m, validated by coaches at Aldershot and Farnham District Athletics Club.

Luke’s mum, Ingrid said: “He achieved this on the evening before his 14th birthday and considers it is best birthday present. In addition, as a very keen triathlete Luke was delighted to meet his hero Ben Dijkstra, 17 (above right) at the 3,000m race – Ben is Youth Olympic Triathlon Champion.”

Luke (pictured left) went on to win the Chichester Triathlon on July 2. before flying to Portugal to represent Pentathlon GB in the European Biathlete and Triathlete Youth Championships.