NATHAN Smoothy has come a long way since he ran part of his first triathlon in bare feet.

The former Eastwood School pupil has been called up to represent Team GB at the World Student Triathlon Championships in China in September.

And he took a break from his training to visit his old school to talk to a group of Eastwood’s Gifted and Talented pupils.

“Nathan is a fantastic example to all athletes with regards to his dedication and perseverance to training,” said the Rayleigh Road school’s head of PE Scott Maclean.

“He was a lad who never came first in anything but never gave up. His belief and confidence that he could achieve always shone through.”

Maclean recalled helping Smoothy compete in his first triathlon seven years ago when he was a pupil in Year 7.

Smoothy was unable to get his trainers on after the swimming stage and a quick change of gameplan saw him run the final leg over muddy grass barefoot.

“It fills me with great pride to see him in the Team GB set up. Everyone here wishes him success in China,” Maclean added.

“We are confident that he’ll represent the nation with honour both now and in the years to come. Let’s hope we see him at the Brazil Olympics in 2016!”

Smoothy flies out to the Chinese capital Beijing on September 5 for the triathlon championships.