ATHLETICS: Former Thurrock Harrier Jessica Judd decided to run the 800m at next month’s World Youth Championships after edging even closer to becoming the fastest under-17 half-mile runner in British history.

The Canvey teenager — who already is the country’s fastest ever 16-year-old over 1,500m and 3,000m — has been weighing up whether to run the 1,500m or the 800m at the championships for much of the summer.

She finally came to a decision after running a blistering 2m 2.70s 800m at Watford last week.

The time shaved nearly half a second off her personal best and put Judd behind only Jo White in the all-time British ranking list.

“Me and my coach made our minds up after that race,” said Judd, who attends Castle View School.

“We decided that was probably the best distance for me. I’ve never competed internationally before so whatever happens it will be a great experience.

“I wasn’t really expecting to run that fast at Watford. I was running against Georgia Peel who I always have a good battle with," she added.