Sprinting for GB – two years after taking up sport
James Arminio, an 18-year-old sprinter from Gloucester, will represent Great Britain at this week's Under-20 World Championships in Oregon, less than two years after first taking up the sport. He is due to collect his A-Level results while still in the USA, having only begun serious sprint training when he started sixth form in 2024 after previously playing football without taking it too seriously.
Arminio is set to compete in the 100m and 4x100m relay in Eugene, having already earned his first Great Britain call-up earlier this summer. He was spotted by school coaches, progressed through county and regional competitions, and joined Gloucester Athletics Club under coach Justin Smith, with whom he decided at the start of the season to target the World Championships. He says he remains early in his development and is hoping to record a personal best and gain experience rather than expecting to win.
- Gloucester's James Arminio to race for GB at U20 World Championships
- Took up sprinting only two years ago, aged 18
- Competing in 100m and relay while awaiting A-Level results
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Sprinting is one of athletics’ shortest races: competitors run 100 metres as fast as they can, while the 4x100m relay has four runners each cover a quarter of a kilometre and pass a baton. The Under-20 World Championships is an international competition for athletes aged under 20.
Great Britain’s team is selected from athletes who compete in the sport’s qualifying pathway, from local meets to higher-level events. Arminio began focused training after playing football and was encouraged by school coaches before joining Gloucester Athletics Club, where he trains with coach Justin Smith.
The championships offer young athletes a chance to race against competitors from other countries and gain experience at a high level. Arminio’s rapid move into international competition gives context to his participation, while his stated aims are to improve his personal best and learn from the races.