Castle Point athlete Jamie O'Rawe, recently picked to race walk for Britain earned his selection and international spurs in France on Saturday.

Jamie, 26, beat all his team mates to become the first British walker home at the 20K World Cup Champion-ships at Caen, Normandy.

He came 74th out of a top class field of 197, and recorded a time of 93 mins 16 secs. His father, noted race walking vet Alan O'Rawe, said: "We are very proud of Jamie.

"He has participated in international events before, but this was his first major world class event. Over the last 20 to 25 yards, he put in a sprint.

"Close behind was his fellow British friend and rival Chris Maddocks, but when it came to the crunch, Jamie proved himself stronger on the day.

"He came in nine seconds ahead of Chris, who was the first to congratulate him."

Jamie's selection in March followed intensive road training with local runners who found him a very hard man to keep up with. He said: "What I most remember about the event is the heat.

"We all appreciated the support the town gave us. Everyone was interested in us, and all the shops stayed open. We had a perfect road, with manholes tarred over to give us an ideal racing surface."

His excellent performance is another rung on a competitive career in a speciality sport which deserves to be better known in Essex.

For details call Alan O'Rawe on 01268 693138.

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