CAPEL Hendre’s schoolboy superman has raced to the upper reaches of the triathlon just six months after taking up new sport.

Nathanial Harries, aged 12, was this week presented with his award after he was the third best-placed Welsh competitor in the youth section of the British Triathlon U20s inter-regional championships.

The competition was held at Windsor’s Eton Dorney - made famous as the venue of the 2012 Olympic rowing events.

Competing against rivals from Scotland and the 11 regions of England, the Ysgol Dyffryn Aman pupil came out of the lake swim mid-pack and held his position throughout the cycle and run, finishing in overall 25th place with an impressive time of 24 minutes and 58 seconds.

The time placed him third amongst the Welsh competitors.

The race was the highlight of a stellar rise for Harries, who only took up triathlon in March.

In his first competitive race the youngster came second and followed up with a fifth-place finish in the Gernau Cymru Triathlon in July.

He went on to win the Cymmer Triathlon three weeks later.

His efforts have moved him up to second-place in the Welsh Triathlon Tri-Star series, earning him qualification to the inter-regional championships.

Delighted dad Steve said: “With the excellent coaching from Andy Bartlett, of the Neath-based Celtic Tri Club, and the support and advice of other members of Celtic Tri and Welsh Triathlon, Nathanial has found an elite event in which he hopes top progress.

“He is enjoying every aspect of it.”