A DREAM COME TRUE FOR JACK
Teen Habbies ace runs for team GB and could land coveted spot at European championships
Kilbarchan AAC runner Jack Patton has set his sights on competing at the European Athletics U- 20 Championships after pulling on the coveted GB vest for the first time.
The 17- year- old made his first appearance in the famed blue, white and red singlet as the Loughborough International returned to the Paula Radcliffe Stadium last weekend
Patton gained valuable experience in the tough 3,000m field, finishing fifth.
And while the Habbie has gained the qualifying time for the European Athletics U-20 Championships in Tallinn later in July he still needs to finish in the top three at a meet in Manchester in a few weeks to secure his spot.
Under the tutelageof Robert Hawkins – dad of Olympic marathon hopeful Callum – Jack has progressed from a wannabe triathlete to a bona fide middle distance running standout.
His dad John says pulling on the GB kit was Jack’s proudest moment as his fledgling athletics career steps up a gear.
“I think he was quite overwhelmed by it, getting all the gear and competing for GB at that level,” he said.
“This was the first time he had been at that level so it was a huge learning experience for him.
“He was quite disappointed with the result as the pace was actually slower than what he can run but it was a very tactical race and the older guys just had more of a kick towards the end.
“But I think he sees how valuable that was, on the way home he said, ‘I’m glad that happened, because I won’t let it happen again.’ So he is taking the positives from it.”
Jack, who is currently ranked fifth in Europe in his age group at 3,000m, is set for a busy few months as he gears up for life on the track and the lecture hall.
John added: “He has been accepted to study law at Strathclyde so he will have that as well as his running obviously, but he is a really determined person.”
And he’s not the only one planning a big future in the sport, brother Oliver, 15, is also racing at high level in his age groups.
Who would bet against Kilbarchan AAC unleashing another set of running brothers onto the world stage.
Callum and Derek Hawkins may want to start looking over their shoulder as the Pattons are coming up fast.