OLIVIA Lowrie might have been the youngest in the field, but she proved that age was no barrier as she raced to third place in the Bucks Cross-Country Championships in Milton Keynes, earning herself a place in the county squad in the process.

The 11-year-old St Teresa’s School pupil, right, stepped up to the U13 category in order to compete and she proved up for the challenge.

After showing all her courage to stay in touch during the uphill section, she kicked on the downhill run to the line before putting in a superb sprint finish to come home in 11 minutes, 29 seconds to take bronze.

She will now represent Bucks at the Inter Counties Championships in Birmingham in March.

Coach Dean Stenning said: "Her performance was sensational.

“She has been fantastic all season and now she has her reward.

“Being selected to represent your county at such a prestigious event is always an honour but to achieve it two years early is incredible.

“Full credit to Olivia – she has worked so hard, put in a lot of time and effort with such dedication and enthusiasm.”