SOUTHEND AC’s talented all-rounder Eleanor Butt has been named the Echo and Runner’s Edge’s first Athlete of the Month.

The 12-year-old Southend High School for Girls’ pupil picked up the award for May after an amazing month that saw her win three Essex Championship gold medals, set club records, smash personal bests and soar up the national rankings.

Eleanor won Essex gold medals in the discus, shot-putt and her favourite event the javelin, she also achieved personal bests in the long jump and 75m hurdles and knocked nine seconds off her PB in the 800m at the Essex Schools Championships, proving she has real all-round potential.

Eleanor said: “My favourite of them all is probably the javelin. I like the fact that it is all about technique.

“You don’t have to be the biggest or strongest to be good at it.

“I started learning it under my PE teacher Mr Hart at Alleyn Court School and I really start to enjoy it.”

The youngster’s strong performances in May have rolled over into this month and last Sunday she threw the javelin 28.05m to put her third in the under-13 UK standings.

She is also currently ranked 11th nationally in the discus.

But athletics is not the only sport Eleanor has shown her talents in.

She plays netball for the county and has made the final 16 in trials for the East of England basketball team.

“Fortunately the sports haven’t clashed yet, so I haven’t had to choose,” said Eleanor, whose prize for winning the competition was a pair of Skechers trainers from Runner’s Edge.

“I’d like to thank Runner’s Edge for the trainers, they are great,” she added.

l Entries for our Athlete of the Month competition for June are now open.

Anyone, young or old, who has produced a string of superb personal performances or event just one outstanding result, this month can be nominated by a parent, coach, team-mate, school teacher or even themselves, so get entering.

Simply, email our reporter Ryan Goad at ryan.goad@nqe.com stating the name of the athlete and the reason for nomination before 5pm on Friday, July 4.