The English Schools' Athletic Association (ESAA) is celebrating its centenary this year. In that time, Cleveland County has never won a gold medal, that is up until this month when distance running superstar and Nunthorpe Academy pupil Gabrielle secured the County's first ever gold at the English Schools Cross Country Championships in Sussex.

Distance runner Gabrielle has now secured several top-level titles including National Cross-Country Club Champion, English Schools Cross Country Champion and National Young Athletes 5km Champion.

The winning streak continues as year 9 student Gabrielle was recently selected to represent England at Falkirk (Scotland) in the SIAB championships, where she went the distance and secured another championship title. Gabrielle also competed against year 10 pupils from across the county, claiming third place in the London Mini Marathon which was featured on the BBC.

Gabrielle’s endurance, perseverance and dedication to the sport is inspiring to everyone in the school and the wider community. Nunthorpe Academy/Cleveland Schools AA Cross-County Team Manager Mr Bunn said of Gabrielle achievements “It’s incredible to have such a talented athlete within the academy who has performed at the highest level consistently this year. The progress she has made over the last 12 months highlights the amazing future she has in athletics through the dedication and enjoyment shown, I’m incredibly proud of her performances and to be there to witness her winning Gold at the English Schools championships in Sussex will never be forgotten”

Headteacher Mrs Kell has also said “It’s been amazing to hear the success stories with regard to Gabrielle’s achievements this year, at Nunthorpe we have had a great tradition of successful sports men and women who have performed at the highest level and we have a superstar in the making. On behalf of the academy we wish her well for the remainder of the year and future performances.”

Well done Gabrielle for your incredible, gold-medal performances and best of luck for the upcoming track season – we’re cheering you on all the way!