LAUREN Williams set a new lifetime best to be crowned England U20s women’s 400m hurdles champion last weekend.

The teenager from Trefeglwys underlined her emergence as one of Wales’ stars of the future with a time of 59.21 clinching gold in Bedford.

Williams’ gold was one of six claimed by Welsh athletes while a total of 11 medals were won across the under 18, 20 and 23 championships during a successful weekend for the travelling Wales squad.

“I’m absolutely over the moon with my performance,” said Williams.

“I was feeling a lot of pressure going into the competition as I knew that if I got my race plan right there was something big there so when I crossed the line and saw I had run a new PB I was so relieved and thrilled.

“I want to thank my coach Wyn Leyshon and everyone else who has supported me so far this season.”

Williams is a former Llanidloes High School student whose athletic talent first developed during her junior career with Maldwyn Harriers Athletics Club in Newtown.

Williams now represents Swansea Harriers Athletics Club and has enjoyed a stellar year with podium places at the Welsh Championships and British University Championships.