Golden girl Sonny with Highgate Harriers coach Errol Peak, far left, and parents Teresa & Gavin in Bangor, Wales, on Saturday

ENGLAND international Sonny Allen made a dream debut representing her country on Saturday as she proved she’s officially the best cross-country runner in her age group in the British Isles.

The teenager, who lives in Kilburn, travelled to Bangor in Wales for the Schools International Athletic Board (SIAB) Cross-Country fixture in scintillating form.

The showcase was seen by many as the perfect reward following a historic season in which the Highgate Harrier had grabbed gold at both the English Schools’ Athletic Association (ESAA) Championships in Liverpool and the National Championships in Sedgefield.

Sonny was up against the cream of the crop in the pinnacle of secondary schools athletics – a race featuring the top-eight finishers from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

The day was meant to be about gaining valuable experience as she faced the toughest field of her career across an unforgiving 4k course made up of energy-sapping hills and sharp, technical turns.

The script said nothing about going and actually winning the race. But Sonny writes her own storylines.

The 15-year-old exhibited mental and physical toughness as she shadowed Irish champion and pre-race favourite Freya Renton through the most challenging sections of the course, gradually wearing down her opponent. With half a mile to go, the St Marylebone School pupil sensed the moment to strike. Shifting gears, she began to pull away from the chasing pack.

Accelerating up the final incline, Sonny crossed the finish line in spectacular fashion: hitting home 13 seconds clear of the silver medalist, and 21 seconds ahead of bronze.

Reflecting on her big win after helping the England Intermediate Girls’ team beat the other home nations, Sonny told the New Journal: “It felt surreal and completely unexpected. I feel like I’ve said that many times in the last few weeks but I know this win will take a long time to truly sink in.

“It was an incredible experience, and I learnt so much, particularly managing my nerves in a competition where your competitors are the best in their country.

“To win makes me immensely proud, but I am above all grateful that I have an incredibly supportive team and family behind me.

“The England team made my first trip to Wales and international debut as easy as it could be, which only made the weekend more enjoyable.”