Former Centre Wellington District High School student Mark Patton is gearing up to race against the best in the world at the International Association of Athletics Federations’ World U20 Championship.
Patton, now a University of Guelph student, will take to the track for the 1,500m run with a personal best of three minute 44 second, four seconds above the 3 minute 48 second standard.
The championship is held every two years; this year is in Bydgoszcz, Poland from July 19 to 24.
“It’s a huge accomplishment, I’m really excited about it,” said Patton.
The 18-year-old track and cross country runner has attempted to make the national team four times.
“I’m really happy to see it finally coming through,” he said.
“I was .001 seconds off of making the Pan Am junior team last summer … so I’m really excited to finally have this opportunity to represent my country.”
Patton’s first race takes place on July 19 and the finals on July 21.
