Rayleigh's Fitzwimarc School are celebrating the national sporting success of two of their pupils.

On target for more glory - year 10 Fitzwimarc archer Alex Johns Picture: LUAN MARSHALL

A tremendous leap of 13.46m allowed Alex Neville to capture the junior boys' triple jump title at the English Schools' Track and Field Athletic Championships.

And following the path to success was year 10 pupil Alex Johns, who was on target for glory in the national archery championships.

Neville's performance was all the more sensational because he is not currently a member of an athletic club, so he hasn't received any other specialised training.

He has made his progress thanks to pre-school and putting in extra work at lunchtime training sessions at Fitz.

And Neville's sports teacher, Danny Cowley, was quick to praise the amazing achievements of his pupil.

"Alex is an exceptional all-round sportsman who has a natural talent in a number of different areas," he said.

"Despite his success in the English Schools he has yet to decide exactly what direction his sporting future lies in.

"It was a great display at the English Schools at Gateshead as he produced his victorious jump in the sixth and final round and it puts him sixth in the top 10 of all time in his age group."

Published Tuesday July 20, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo