He isn’t part of any athletics club, hasn’t seen a coach and the closest he gets to training is running the family malamute Storm.

But his raw talent in cross country is undeniable, with the 13-year-old Terang College student earning a spot on Team Vic to compete at the School Sports Australia Cross Country Championships being held in Canberra in August.

He finished 16th overall in the three-kilometre qualifying event at Bundoora earlier this month, completing the race in 10 minutes and 40 seconds.

While he is also preparing for what will be his third appearance at the School Sport Victoria cross country finals alongside many other south-west juniors in July, mum Julie said Rhys was thrilled to be competing at national level for the first time.

“We were just so excited when they said he’s got through to Canberra,” she said.