Colchester's Harry Jeffery takes word title in Costa Rica

Young Harry Jeffery, 12, regularly enjoys taking part in competitive obstacle course racing (OCR) all over the world.

He, alongside little sister Sophie, nine, has travelled to various countries enjoying competitive OCR events, after being inspired by his dad, Stuart.

Now the youngster, who achieved a Guinness World Record earlier this year, has been named under 14 world champion at the FISO World Championships in Costa Rica.

Proud - Harry Jeffery and a fellow athlete posing with their medals (Image: Stuart Jeffery)

But the win was not without a bit of perseverance, skill, and sheer determination after Harry and his fellow competitors faced more than the anticipated obstacles. 

The championship race began with a burst of energy inside the National Stadium, where young athletes like Harry faced a gruelling course that tested their physical and mental limits.

Competitors sprinted up the stadium stairs, descended, and tackled a 7-foot wall early in the race.

But in an unexpected twist the ground-side entrance gate, which was supposed to be open, was accidentally locked. 

Determination - Harry completed the 3K course is 19 minutes, despite event disruptions (Image: Stuart Jeffery)

In a scramble to resolve the issue, organisers had to break the padlock with a rock, adding to the already high stakes of the competition.

During this chaotic moment, parents rallied to assist, helping the young racers climb over the gate so that the race could continue without further delay.

Despite the disruption, Harry navigated over 15 thrilling obstacles to claim the top prize. 

Among these were the challenging Banana Rig, balance beams that tested his agility, and the coffee bean rig that required both strength and strategy.

Harry also tackled the complex Toroz Low to High Rig and ended the course with a demanding precision laser shooting challenge.

The young athlete completed the demanding course in under 19 minutes.

Winners - The FISO World Championships took place in Central America, seeing young athlete competing in a 3K race (Image: Stuart Jeffery)

Harry's dad Stuart said: “Witnessing Harry's journey was an electrifying experience, filled with pride and admiration.

“His victory highlights not only his personal achievements but also the incredible support he received from his family and the OCR community.

“In the world of obstacle course racing, encountering and overcoming unexpected challenges is part of the game.

“His triumph at the FISO World Championships is a shining example of hard work paying off and an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished with determination and support.

“His victory, along with the successes of his fellow British competitors, highlights Great Britain’s rising prominence in the obstacle course racing community."

Harry also competed in a team race with two other British athletes Cam and Izzy Young who also live in Essex and they won the gold in the team race.

Great Britain had four junior podium winners, reflecting a promising future for the sport in the UK.

In addition to his racing achievements, Harry has recently been appointed as an Ambassador for Active Essex.

In this role, he will work to promote fitness and wellbeing among young people, using his platform and experiences to inspire others.

Harry’s next challenge will take place next year, at the European Championships in Portugal, where he aims to achieve gold medal.