Cross-country Success for North Notts College Learner
North Notts College Level 2 Public Services learner, and keen athlete, Elliott Morton has qualified to represent Nottinghamshire at the English Schools Cross Country Championships in Liverpool on Saturday 14 March 2020.
North Anston-based speedster Elliott has qualified for the finals for the fourth time; although this will be the first time he has represented Nottinghamshire, having previously represented South Yorkshire in younger age groups.
Reflecting on his journey to the National championships Elliott explained: “I ran in the Bassetlaw cross-country event and won it, which meant that I represented Bassetlaw at the Nottinghamshire School championships where the top-8 qualified for the English Schools. I came third but I had been ill for a couple of weeks before the race so wasn’t training properly. To qualify has given me a real confidence boost!
“College has really helped me, we use the gym every Monday and Thursday which has helped improve my strength, which helps get through the mud and up the hills. My course has also helped me learn more about recovery, what my body needs to recover – things like ensuring I get enough protein in my diet.
“All of my tutors have been really supportive of my athletics, but Dave has given me a lot of support and helped me a lot.”
North Notts College Curriculum Team Leader for Sport and Public Services David Merris has supported Elliott at the earlier qualifying events and is a big advocate of the young runner’s talent and potential.
David said: “I’m immensely proud of Elliott. The times he has run are phenomenal and just on another level.
“He’s definitely found the course at College useful and has been able to take the information he’s gained around food, nutrition and training and apply it in real situations.
“He wants to secure a top-25 finish at the English Schools Championships and is showing real promise; it’s down to him how far he goes – he has huge potential!”