TALENTED hurdler Ruben Hedman is preparing to pull on the Great Britain vest at the European U20 Championships in Israel.
The 19-year-old, who is the son of former Colchester United favourite Rudi Hedman who made 221 appearances for the U's between 1984 and 1991, flies out to Jerusalem on Friday in readiness for the competition, which will see Europe's top young athletes battle it out for medals.
Hedman, who won bronze at the Indoor National Championships in Sheffield earlier this year, is hoping to impress in the 110 metre hurdles.
The former Maltings Academy pupil is one of three young athletes selected to represent Great Britain's men in the discipline at the Championships, which takes place between August 7-10.
Last week, 4⃣ fab @LCowanBursary athletes took time to support our "Athletics For All" event, inspiring 10-12 year-olds to have fun experiencing the sport they love ❤️. BIG thanks to Noah Hanson, Amber Purcell, Reece Earle & Ruben Hedman for sharing their talent! #AthleticsForAll pic.twitter.com/oDZppYoInZ
— Lloyd Cowan Bursary (@LCowanBursary) July 18, 2023
Hedman is currently in his last year at under-20 level and is still classed as a junior, before moving up to senior level next year.
The former Braintree and District Athletics Club member currently competes for Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers and trains in Kingston, combining that with his Sports Psychology studies at St Mary's University, in Twickenham.
Hedman, who has previously raced for GB at under-18 level, is also a former student at Colchester Sixth Form College.
The talented youngster, whose is the nephew of successful darts player Deta Hedman and cousin of 400m runner Graham Hedman, won bronze at last month's Outdoor National Championships at Chelmsford, in addition to indoor.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland junior team head coach Darren Ritchie said: “I am delighted that we have been able to select such a strong team for Jerusalem including some serious medal contenders as well as some representing their country for the first time gaining valuable competition experience at an international level.
“I am looking forward to working with all the team and our group of talented coaches out in Jerusalem where I am sure the competition will be tough but rewarding.
“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the personal coaches in their efforts in preparing the athletes for these Championships.”
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