Shaftesbury Barnet Harrier Richard Goodman, 15, won the combined Under 17 and Under 20 North Thames Cross Country Championships in Kingsbury.

Competing against runners-up to four years his senior, Goodman of Stanmore finished 55 seconds clear of the rest of the field. “Before the race, former world record holder Dave Bedford told me that I could be the next Dave Bedford, and that I had the perfect physique for cross-country and middle-distance. That encouragement inspired me to run what I think is one of my best races.”

Israel’s hopes for London 2012 Games have been hit hard by the credit crunch. The US-based Sidney Frank Foundation, which has been giving the Israel
Olympic Federation $3 million-a-year since 2005 to sponsor the squad’s training, has announced that it will cease support from the end of this year.

Israel’s Tatiana Tzim has been appointed coach of the British Olympic synchronised swimming team.