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National call up for Southern champion runner
Things couldn't be going much better for Hannah Walker.
The 18 year old's display at the South of England Cross Country Championships earned her a gold medal, confirming her as one of the best runners in the south.
But keeping track of her performance were national selectors, who have picked the Dacorum and Tring star to take as part of a four-girl squad to compete in a major international competition for England.
It will be only the third time she has worn the international vest, but still the novelty hasn't worn off.
"It's still really exciting, just as exciting as the first time" said Hannah, who has represented her country in Spanish and Welsh competitions.
"It's a great way to be selected – because I won the Southerns – rather than being selected generally.
"It's nice to go into it with a bit more confidence and hopefully I can get a good result."
She will fly out to Belgium to take part in the annual meet on Valentines Day.
When you include last weekend's victory, her trip to the home of chocolate and beer will be the second of four massive races within six weeks for the U20 runner.
The last Saturday of February will see her make the trip up to Leeds for the English National Championships while Birmingham will be her destination a fortnight later for the UK Championships.
The latter doubles as trials for this summer's World Cross Country Championships, which take place in Poland at the end of March.
Last year only four girls were selected but Hannah hopes this year it could be her turn.
"That's my ultimate aim" she added.
"I'm aiming high but I would love to run for GB it's on a different level.
"But I know it's going to be a tough, tough challenge. I just have to keep going with training and keep focussed."
Her coach Mike Dunphy has faith in his protg.
He said: "All the signs are she could well make the team this year."
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
