RAMSGATE teenager Sarah Foster has represented her country less than a year after taking up the little-known sport of speed walking.

The 14-year-old athlete took up the sport “just to get points at an athletics meeting” and was bitten by the walking bug.

The Clarendon House Grammar School student has won both the Kent and South East championships in the under 15 age category, come a creditable fourth in the English schools championships, and third in the recent Race Walking Association international event against Ireland at Leamington Spa.

Next up is a return match representing England in Ireland in July and she is currently in training on the road and at the Julie Rose athletic stadium in Ashford.

She prepares for her speed walking with a combination of jogging, sprinting and walking in training, and her target times are 10.36 min for 2km distances and 15.44min for 3km distances.

She has recently moved to Ramsgate and is still a member of the Bexley Athletic Club and the Dartford Harriers road racers.

Head teacher Jane Bennett said: “Speed walking is not one of the widest known sports but it is a demanding activity that requires dedication and enthusiasm, particularly to perform at the highest levels after such a short space of time in the sport."

He stressed: "We are proud of Sarah’s brilliant achievements in less than a year.”