Sophie pictured with British sprinter, Dina Asher-Smith

We’re delighted to announce that Sophie Forbes-Laird (Lower Sixth) has been selected for the prestigious England Athletics Youth Talent Programme 2021-23.

The Youth Talent Programme (YTP) is the first step on the Talent pathway designed to meet the needs of identified, talented English athletes aged between 16 and 18 years of age and their coaches. Sophie will move up from U17 to U20 competition, now specialising in 400m and will be based at Loughborough University.

Sophie has been competing in athletics since she was 8 years old, first of all for Biggleswade Athletics Club, and now competes for Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers and Huntingdon Athletics Club (St Ives). She has had success as part of the SBH 4x100 relay team, and has recently transitioned from 300m to 400m in preparation for U20 competition level, starting 2021/22. Sophie finished her U17 season this summer with a 400m time in the top 10 in the UK in her age group, and is currently the joint record holder for HUNTSAC over 400m.

Many congratulations, Sophie! We wish you every success on your England athletics pathway and look forward to following every step of your journey.