A talented, young York athlete is set to represent his country once again this week, after storming to victory at the English Schools’ Championships on Saturday 12 July.
Millthorpe School student, Rowan Whittaker, aged 16, qualified for the 400m final after running a blistering 47.2 seconds in the heats on Friday, beating the race favourite in scorching conditions. He went on to win gold in the 400m final at the championships, with an incredible time of 47.5 seconds, and has now qualified for the Home Countries’ International Schools’ Track and Field Championship which will be held in Derby on 19 July 2025.
Rowan’s dominant performance in the final means that he is now ranked number one in the Under-17 400m category across Europe.
Rowan also represented England last year in both the U17s 400m and 4 x 400m relay events at the Home Countries’ International Schools’ Track and Field Championship in Carmarthen, Wales, where he won an incredible two gold medals.
Rowan said “I am so proud to have qualified and can’t wait to wear the England kit again on Saturday. It’s quite something to be able to represent your country and although I know there’ll be some tough competition, I’ll give it my all.”
Rowan’s mum, Elisabeth Horton said “We’re all really excited that Rowan has got another opportunity to represent his country. He’s had a bit of a tough year recovering from an injury, but with hard work, lots of patience and the support of Paul Daynes and Greg How, Rowan’s amazing coaches at the City of York Athletics Association, he’s achieved so much. I’m very proud of him and will be cheering him on at the weekend!”
Kavina Rothenburg, Principal at Millthorpe School said “What makes this achievement even more special is Rowan’s inspiring comeback after injury. This coupled with the fact that he has just sat his GCSEs, shows his determination, resilience, and of course his athletic talent. We can’t wait to see how he gets on at the weekend – we’ll be right behind him every step of the way!”
The Home Countries International Schools’ Track and Field Championship is an annual competition held between the four home nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
15 July 2025
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