TALENTED teenager John Zeller took his dream of Olympic glory a step closer this week by clinching a sports scholarship at a top US university.
Zeller from Wokingham, will head to the University of Michigan next year where he will train under some of the best coaches in the world.
The former Hawthorns Primary School pupil has his eyes set on competing for Britain in the 110 metre hurdles in 2024 in Paris.
He has already won a number of competitions and is tipped to be part of the main GB squad after impressing selectors.
“I’m really excited about going to Michigan because it has such a top reputation for athletics,” he told the Wokingham Paper.
“The coaches are the best and the facilities amazing. Its a great opportunity and I will give it one hundred per cent.”
Zeller, 18, will initially live on campus where he will also study a business degree alongside his athletic training.
“I signed the deal on Friday at home with my family and friends watching,” he added.
“I did it online which was a bit odd but that’s the way its done.”
The teenager will head out to America next August after he finishes his A Levels here.
“I will compete in competitions in the States but I will also be able to take part in competitions back home and anywhere else,” he explained.
“It is about planning my time to fit in with the athletic season. In a way, it is the best of both worlds.”
The former Forest School pupil currently juggles his maths, geography and business studies at Henley College with 10 hours of training each week, mostly at Bracknell Athletics Club.
INTERVIEW: Zeller outlines Olympic dream
Should he make it, it would be quite the journey from first trying hurdling upon a PE teacher’s recommendation at The Hawthorns Primary School.
Earlier this year Zeller broke into the top 10 all-time British rankings in his age group with a personal best time of 13.49 seconds and now has his eyes fully focussed on Paris in just under six years time.
