ATHLETICS success is running in the family for Redditch siblings Josh, Finnan and Lexie Robins.
The Webheath trio, members of the renowned Birchfield Harriers club, are all district and county cross country champions as they continue to go from strength to strength.
Josh, 14, has recently secured the honour for the third successive year with his triumph at U15 level and has finished first in the Warwickshire and Worcestershire clubs’ cross country championships for the last two years.
Josh, who only this week had the honour of meeting Prime Minister Theresa May at Birchfield Harriers’ Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, came 87th in the junior boys’ contest at the elite New Balance English Schools’ Cross Country Championships whilst representing Hereford & Worcester Schools’ Athletics Association.
Finnan, 11, is also district and county cross country king for three years in succession and is unbeaten at any school event at that level.
He also finished 18th in the Inter-Counties Championship at U13 level and was just outside the top 100 at the prestigious Saucony English National Cross Country Championships over 3km.
Finnan is ranked third in England at primary school level for his age group.
Their younger sister Lexie, nine, has also got in on the act and in her first year competing at year five level has also topped the district and county cross country standings.
Like Finnan, she has competed at the primary school championships and finished sixth in the school year five to seven age group.
Father Nick said: “We are very proud of their achievements, especially as they have worked so hard to get to this stage.
“They train five days a week and are back and forth to the track at the Alexander Stadium, so their commitment is not in question.
“Josh is on track with his English Schools’ times and is potentially a great age for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, but there is no pressure on any of them. Each has their own goals and all three dream of representing England.
“With the announcement of the £70m refurbishment of the Alexander Stadium in time for the 2022 Commonwealth Games – turning it from a 12,700 to 40,000-seater stadium – there is a lot to be excited about and they will benefit from these facilities.”
