Croydon Harrier Jordan Maurice is being tipped for big things. The Wilson’s schoolboy dominated the U15s in 2008 both on the track and in cross country so much so that this year he has stepped up to U17 level and already claimed a silver medal in the 800m at the South of England Championships earlier this month. GRAHAM MOODY talks to him about his Olympic hopes and fellow club member Martyn Rooney.

How did you get into athletics? I had not done much running before Year 6 at school but we had a cross-country run in PE and I came first out of a lot of people so my PE teacher told me to join a club. At first it seemed quite hard but after about six months I found it more enjoyable and there are a lot of youngsters there and I have quite a few friends.

Were you nervous before your first U17 race at the South of England Championships? I was looking forward to it more than anything because last season I won almost everything in the U15s and now I can look forward to the challenge of running with older people. I was the youngest in the field and was hoping to get to the final but I didn’t expect to come second.

What do you prefer, track or cross country? I definitely prefer track because I find that more interesting to do but the cross country is really enjoyable too.

What’s your preferred event? All of last season I ran 800m but I did a 1500m near the end that I really enjoyed so I would like to concentrate on that this year. The sprints go too quick for me and rely too much on speed and power. You still need speed and power in the long races but it is more tactical and I enjoy that.

Croydon Harriers Martyn Rooney, Tasha Danvers and Donna Fraser were all at the Olympics this summer, do they give you inspiration? They are not around the club too much as they train away but I did speak to Martyn a few weeks ago and he is a very nice man. He gave me advice and told me I should keep it up and work hard.

Who is your sporting hero? I was taken by a guy from Sudan who I saw break the junior world record for 800m, that really stood out for me last year. At the Olympics I was watching to see how Michael Rimmer did in the 800m as I hoped he would make the final but he only got to the semi.

What’s your dream? To be professional is what I am aiming for as I really enjoy athletics and hopefully I can get to the Olympics and get to the final. I’m not sure in what event yet but I will see how I go from here. I think 2012 will be too early for me but I would like to be at 2016.

FACTFILE

Date of birth: 17 October 1993

Favourite subject: PE Theory - We do a lot about training and preparation in sport which I am really into. English is quite good as well.

Worst subject: Maths can be a bit boring.

If you do not become an athlete, what would you do? I would be a professional trainer or sports physio but I am not 100 per cent sure.