St Michael’s Frank Buchanan has been named as one of five athletes to represent Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Youth Games which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago in August.

Buchanan sealed his spot on the team after securing the qualifying time at the Belfast Miler last month while he also claimed his first Irish title when storming to victory in the 3000m in Tullamore at the start of the month.

And the Year 12 student will now compete in the 1500m race in what will be his first experience of a major games.

Buchanan says he was surprised but excited to have earned his selection.

“I’m over the moon. It was a bit of a surprise but I’m very excited and happy to get going and see what I can do. It is an honour and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” he said.

The St Michael’s runner has had an impressive season to date and is now looking to kick on again for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

I’ve had a few good races (this year) and now it is about peaking at the right time and getting ready for it so I can go and perform at my best,” he added.

The team will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on August 1 with Frank racing on August 7 and while he is unsure of what to expect, he intends to give it his best shot.

“It is the unknown in terms of who I will be coming up against but I will go and try my best and see how I do.”

Buchanan also had words of praise for his coach, Francie Shaw, for the effort that he puts in to helping him improve as an athlete.

“He (Francie) does a massive amount of work for me and gives up a lot of time for me so I’m very appreciative of that,” he said.

Before the focus switches to the Commonwealth Games though there is the matter of the Club All Ireland Age Groups with Frank competing in the 800m on July 8 and the 1500m on July 23.

I will compete at the All Irelands in the 800m and 1500m and see how I get on at that and then it will be the Commonwealth Youth Games,” he stated.