BROKEN Cross sailing star James Asquith has taken his next significant step in his dream of future Olympic success.
The 14-year-old has secured his place in the National Junior Topper squad, amid competition from the best young sailors the country has to offer.
Asquith, who has already competed in national and world championships, was among the top 24 sailors from around 400 who aimed to book their place on the programme.
The Redesmere Club member will benefit from top-level coaching in the Olympic training programme, with a view to emulating the success of Macclesfield-born Ben Ainslie in the future.
His continuing rise is more remarkable as he only tried his hand at the sport for the first time three years ago.
Asquith put in gold fleet performances in the world event in Austria, amid competition from nearly 200 topper racers.
His mother Liz said: "We’re all very pleased, James is a very hard worker and competes in most weekends as well as training at Redesmere during the week. He’s looking to make Olympic selection for the Games in London but, realistically, it’s more likely that he could compete in 2016."
The youngster thanked his sponsors Macclesfield Bowling Club, Gusto Energetic Design, Shufflebottom Fabrics, Mountain & Narine, Wombat Clothing and Barlows Property Company. Other companies who would like to sponsor a potential future Olympian should contact Nick on 07818 054039.
