JOSH Bush from Hatherleigh represented Devon in the English Schools Athletics Combined Events National Championships — and is celebrating an incredible ninth placing.

Josh, in the intermediate boys class, competed in the octathlon which is eight events over the two days. More than 40 of the country's best athletes won entry to the event in his class through county trials and then regional trials.

The first day had long jump, discus, javelin and 400m. Josh was third in long jump with 6.34m — a little short of his personal best. In javelin he threw well beyond his personal best and finished the day fifth overall.

Sunday saw Josh compete in 100m hurdles, high jump and shot put, finishing the weekend with the 1500m — a race that most competitors dread at the end of a hard weekend. The weekend saw Josh finish ninth in England! This was a remarkable accomplishment as most of the summer was spent preparing for and training with Exeter College Rugby Academy.