Tauranga is quickly becoming a hub of Athletics talent, with several world class coaches driving Tauranga's talent to achieve at a global level.

The latest of this group to be selected to represent New Zealand on a global platform is year 12 Tauranga Boys' College student George Wyllie.

George has quickly established himself as one of the countries top middle distance talents.

Whether it is running the fastest 3000m time in North Island Track and field champs history, winning the Australian age group Cross Country or last month beating the 3:48 qualifying time for the world under 20 Track and Field champs, George continues to break through barriers.

The Craig Kirkwood Coached athlete has the benefit of being surrounded by some of the finest middle distance runners for their age that New Zealand has ever had, with multiple national champions in his training group raising the bar.

One of those runners that is a real inspiration is Olympic 1500m Finalist and keen local surfer Sam Tanner and Olympic Triathlon Bronze medalist Hayden Wilde.

“I believe I am able to get the best out of myself because of the elite athletes that I am surrounded by, Im very privileged to be part of Criag Kirkwoods training Group,” says Wyllie.

The latest selection will see George head to The 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia which take place on March 30.

The World Cross country is heralded internationally as one of the most competitive races on the planet. Unlike the Olympics, each country can have up to six athletes in each event and both middle distance and distance athletes compete over the same event with the Junior Boys competing over 6000m.

This concentration of talent and depth will be a true test for our local lad as he continues his development through the ranks of the worlds best.

In his final preparations for Belgrade Wyllie has just won the New Zealand under 20 5000m championships, narrowly beating Elliot Pugh, who is also an elite talent with the Kirkwood training group.