SOUTAMPTON AC multi-eventer Nick Hunt is being tipped as a possible contender for the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The 17-year-old currently tops the UK decathlon rankings for under-20 men and is a massive 72 points clear of his rivals – even though they are older than him, writes WENDY GEE.

Hunt boasts a very impressive set of personal bests, including 200m (22.3 seconds), high jump (2.07 metres), long jump (7.04 metres), pole vault (3.70 metres), javelin (50.24 metres), shot put (15.95 metres) and 100m hurdles (15.34 seconds).

All of which convinces respected local distance coach Tony Fern that he has got what it takes to hit the road to Rio.

Fern said: “There is a road in Eastleigh called Alan Drayton Way named after a man who gained the silver medal in the Commonwealth Games behind the great Daley Thompson.

“I remember Alan well as a quiet man who in British League matches moved from event to event beating the opposition.

“Nick competes for the local club in the same manner and is one of the reasons for our great success this season.

“He is coached by Erik Little, a man who was a fine athlete in his time, so he is in good hands.

“I honestly believe if Nick steers clear of injury he will be on the plane to Brazil.”