A Truro College student has been offered a place by British Athletics in the Paralympic Development Academy.

Sam Jose, who is currently studying Access Inclusive Learning, is ranked first in the UK for the under 18s Paralympic long jump and has been invited to travel to London with his coach for training sessions, as part of the programme.

Sam’s mum Helen is delighted with the academy offer, saying: “We are thrilled he has been selected as places are limited. We hope this inspires others to have a go!”

The interest has stemmed from the great, early potential that Sam has displayed in events such as 400m and 200m and he now is fifth overall for long jump in the Paralympic, T/F 20 category, for intellectually impaired competitors.

At college, Sam is enrolled in the ‘Elite Academy’ where he receives tailored training to help with his events.

Despite making exceptional progress in his early career as an athlete, it was a reluctant start for Sam, who his mother has said, needed a lot of persuasion to follow in his siblings footsteps and join an athletic club, in 2015.

She added: “He soon found friends, confidence and a smile and also found he could run...fast! 2017 was his first athletic season and he was very successful, gaining gold medals at National events. He continued to improve his performances in 2018, achieving personal bests in all his events.”

Sam’s 2019 season is going well with personal bests in all of his events so far. This streak is set to continue as British Athletics are currently processing his international licence.