A DEDICATED young athlete is sprinting forward in his sporting career after a successful showing at a prestigious national competition.

Freddie MacFeate, 11, was in fine form as he competed at the Scottish Athletics Indoor U13, U15, U17 and U20 Championships at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Freddie, of Octavia Terrace in Greenock, ran the fastest time over 60m in the heats of the under 13s competition - faster than another 39 youngsters in the category.

His time took him to the 60m semi final and onto the final, where he only lost out on the top spot by just 0.02 seconds.

He also placed fourth in the final of the under 13s 200m - and is hoping to go for gold at the championships again next year.

Freddie's dad Derek, 47, was an athlete - and the youngster is very proud to be following in his dad's footsteps.

Freddie said: "When my dad was younger he used to run, so it's nice to continue that.

"The best thing about running is there's a very competitive side to it.

"I'm very proud of myself for how I performed at the Emirates."

Freddie is in transitus at St Columba's School in Kilmacolm and preparing for senior school.

He trains every week at Inverclyde Athletic Club based at Ravenscraig Sports Centre - but as coronavirus restrictions are now in force, he's keeping up his routine in the garden for now.

The talented young sportsman is also captain of the under 11s team at Greenock Cricket Club and a big fan of Greenock Wanderers.

MM Search - Freddie's dad Derek's business - is the main club and shirt sponsor of the Wanderers and the company also sponsors Greenock Cricket Club.

Derek represented both the rugby and cricket club at senior level and he now helps to coach the youth sections.

He's very proud to see Freddie become an accomplished young sportsman.

Derek said: "The competition at the Emirates Arena was a pretty big deal and Freddie did really well.

"He was competing against young athletes from all over Scotland - from Thurso down to the Scottish Borders.

"Some were 12 and 13 and there can be a big difference in youngsters at that age.

"I'm delighted and excited by how he has progressed.

"Inverclyde Athletic Club, Greenock Wanderers RFC, Greenock Cricket Club and St Columba’s School in Kilmacolm are all a fantastic help in Freddie's development.

"I'm very proud of him and his wee sister Lexi in their determination to succeed in whatever they undertake."