A BEITH teenager has been crowned heptathlon champion while representing North Ayrshire.

Scott Brindley, who turned 18 the day after his big win on January 5, was competing in the England Athletics U20 Combined Events Championships in Sheffield.

He was confirmed as the under-20 heptathlon winner after an amazing performance including a new personal best with a 2-metre high jump.

He achieved a new points personal best of 5,375, which is just short of an all time record.

Scott told the Herald: “Because I was going for the record attempt and I fell just short of that, there was that emotion.

“I was a bit annoyed at myself, then once they announec the results I cheered up again.

“I’d done really well despite not achieving the record.”

Scott improved on last year’s performance and he puts it down to another year of training focussed on the multi events.

He was in Sheffield representing North Ayrshire Athletics Club (NAAC), where he trains with coach Colin Sinclair.

Scott said: “He’s a good coach, I moved to him full-time, and it’s a good group of boys there.

“So, I’ll sit down with the coach and discuss what’s next.”

Michael Murray, President of NAAC, said: “Scott’s achievement at the weekend is a continuation of the success he has enjoyed since joining NAAC in 2015. Initially he continued to play rugby but despite being an excellent player it was clear athletics was a sport he would go on to succeed in.

“Scott has worked exceptionally hard to get to the level he is at and it is no surprise to the athletes and volunteers at NAAC that he is doing so well on the international stage.

“Not only is he a gifted competitor but he regularly helps the younger athletes at the club who obviously look up to him and his enthusiasm for athletics is also heavily apparent when he coaches.

“The support Scott has received from his mum and dad has been equally outstanding as they have travelled thousands of miles to help him fulfill his ambitions as a young athlete.

“Coupled with the fact that Scott’s younger brother Aidan has had an outstanding few years as an athlete makes Fiona and Paul’s dedication to their sons even more remarkable.

“The coaches, volunteers and athletes at NAAC are hugely proud of what Scott is achieving and it’s fantastic to see the NAAC vest on podiums throughout the UK and beyond.”