For 16-year-old Prince Reid, living with autism hasn't always been easy.

Combined with learning disabilities and difficulties, the Croydon teen has had to fight adversity every step of the way.

But when he found a passion for sport nearly a decade ago, things started to change.

"I think my mental illness has hindered me, but I always try and keep going,"Prince said.

"I have had to work hard during tough times, both physically and mentally."

A duel sportsman, Prince has represented Surrey County as a footballer and cross country runner.

This is something that has given him a sense of pride like he has never felt before.

"Representing my county is a extremely big achievement to me," he said.

"I now have the right to say I am a elite football player and runner.

"I believe I am the first person with autism to represent Surrey County for two different sports, especially as Surrey is one of the hardest counties to represent for sport."

Success didn't come easy for Prince though.

Also dabbling in the world of athletics, it took him more than 10 years to win his first 800 metre race as part of the indoor track season.

"It might have taken me longer to achieve what I aimed for, but I have it," he said.

"It has been difficult to keep going but I did.

"I went from being permanently excluded from school to being elite, and I just need to say, I might have started quite slowly and badly, but that does not determine my outcome.

Just because I started with struggle doesn't mean it will always be that way, I have taken responsibility and now I go to a mainstream school, and I believe I am excelling at what I do."

He isn't ready to rest on his laurels either.

Prince is determined to become better and better as each day passes.

"I will take my disability and hardship to success.

"I have achieved my success through hard work, and the drive to keep going when life is trying to knock me down.

"I am undefeated."