Wrexham AC triathlete Matt Willis believes Olympic glory is a realistic prospect after his continued success at home and abroad.

The 18-year-old, who hails from Marford, has been in solid form for the last 18 months of competition and intends to realise his Olympic ambitions at Tokyo 2020.

Earlier this year, Willis tasted success at the English Schools Cross Country race in Leeds, where victory in the senior section secured a clean sweep after winning the junior titles in 2014 and 2016 respectively.

Most recently, Willis was the fastest European at the World Schools Cross Country Championships in Paris, placing fifth outright in a highly competitive field.

While representing Great Britain at the Triathlon Youth European Championships in Lithuania last July, the teenager won the individual silver medal and the Mixed Relay Team Gold.

Those achievements culminated in Willis being crowned Welsh Junior Off Track Athlete of the Year.

Reflecting on a highly productive period in his nascent athletics career, Willis has been pleased with his rapid progression.

He said: "It's been great to be involved in some really tough races, for Great Britain and in the schools competitions I've entered.

"I've been up against some really strong competitors, which I think has helped me push myself to improve and raise my own performances.

"The race in Paris was tough and I wasn't expecting to do as well I did, but to finish as the fastest European there was a proud moment.

"I love running and swimming as individual events, but my main focus is on triathlon even tough I'll be competing at the World Junior Duathlon Championships this summer, which is run-bike-run."

With a training schedule that varies according to the demands of his A-level study time, typically commits to five runs totalling 40 miles each week.

A member of Wrexham Swimming Club too, Matt regularly completes five weekly pool sessions and the occasional open water swim at Cheshire's Manley Mere lake.

That dedication has also informed his decision to apply for a place at Loughborough University this summer, an institution renowned for its world-class training facilities.

If successful, Willis hopes that the university's sports-centric approach will enhance his prospects of emulating former Schools Cross Country Championship winners like Alistair Brownlee at an Olympic games.

"Loughborough have a great reputation for their sports programmes and coaching, and that was a big reason for applying there" added Willis.

"They have a history of developing the athletes they have studying there and I hope that I can push on myself.

"The Olympics have to be the target, it's something that every serious athlete wants to be a part of in their career.

"I think it's realistic to get there - providing I can keep up the standards I've already shown and keep improving I'm sure I can get there as part of the British team.

"Seeing the likes of the Brownlea brothers doing so well in triathlon has raised the profile of the sport massively and had a positive effect on the funding levels too.

"There's still a really long way to go, but I'll keep pushing myself in every competition I enter to try to get myself there."