LAUNCESTON boy who dreams of being as fast as Usain Bolt wins three gold medals at Devon County Championships.
Ten-year-old Joe Wheeler has always been a keen and competitive sportsman, especially when it came to running and football.
He joined Tavistock Athletic Club in April this year, after his primary school, St Catherine’s C of E, and his parents both felt that he had a talent for sprinting.
In the summer months he competed in four Devon League events, competing in track and field events against other children in his age category, under 11s. Showing what a huge talent he has the potential to become, Joe won every single 75m and 150m he entered — breaking the club record for 75m in the last meeting along the way.
During the winter months he has entered the Devon Sportshall League, including the Devon County Championships, which took place on November 15, where he scooped three gold medals in the two lap, two lap hurdles and vertical jump.
As well as the trio of gold medals, Joe also broke the club record for two laps at that meeting which has been held since 2012, and broke the vertical jump record which has been held since 1993 — impressive by anyone’s standards.
On Friday, November 20, along with his parents, Daryll and Sarah, Joe went to Tavistock Athletic Club’s awards night where he was presented with the Under 11 track and field winner 2014/15 award and was also given a very special award for being the club’s most promising male athlete.
In true sportsman fashion, Joe thrives on being the best at everything and puts 100% effort into everything he takes part in and loves gaining points for his club.
He also plays football for Southgate Colts Under 11s, which he also enjoys very much.
Dad Daryll said: “The whole family are so proud of what Joe has achieved at such a young age and are really looking forward to what the future holds for him.
“We feel he has a very promising future ahead with lots of other events coming up.”
When asked who his role models are, Joe said: “I’d love to be as fast as Usain Bolt and Cristiano Ronaldo!”
One thing is for sure, Joe Wheeler certainly has a bright future ahead of him in the world of athletics, and as it stands, the sky really is his limit.