GOLDEN boy Paul Smith has sprinted his way to glory with a national title and a Great Britain call-up.

The 15-year-old sped home to take 100metres gold in the under-17s category of the National Athletics Championships for Sportsmen and Women with Learning Disabilities.

And such was his performance against athletes up to two years older, that he was asked by GB athletics chiefs to join up with the national squad - possibly with a view to his taking part in the 2004 Paralympic Games.

Smith, a Fulford Cross School pupil, clocked a time of 13.39 seconds in the championships final held at South Leeds Stadium - despite running into a strong headwind.

Teacher and coach Hilary Mennell said: "The headwind would have added about a second on to his time, so that makes it even better."

Smith also took bronze in the under-17s long jump but it was his display in the 100m that took the eye of the national coaches.

"It was so emotional it was fantastic," said Mennell.

"There were three heats and Paul's was the fastest heat. He just sneaked into the lead and won it and then the final was very close but Paul pipped them at the post.

"Straight away we had one of the England coaches coming up and asking him to join the national squad. He couldn't believe."

Fulford Cross had four other athletes qualify to take place in the championships.

Fifteen-year-old Kelly Joyce came a superb fourth in the under-17s girls' 100m, 14-year-old Gary Wright reached the final of the under-17s 200m but was unable to take a medal, while Brian Pearson, 15, finished a fine fourth in the under-17s 800m. Dean Bedford was unfortunately unable to compete on the day.

"They all did brilliantly," added Mennell.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, July 06, 2001