A Teesside teenager has been crowned world champion at international motorcycling trails after balancing competition with college.
Harison Skelton, 18, from Ingleby Barwick, won the 2026 Trial3 World Championship at the TrialGP of the Netherlands in Zelhem last month.
Trial3 world champion Harison Skelton. (Image: Middlesbrough College)
Representing Great Britain, Harison competed in Andorra, Italy, France and the Netherlands while studying electrical engineering at Middlesbrough College.
The rider said college staff helped him chase his sporting ambitions without giving up his education.
Harison said: "Middlesbrough College gave me the opportunity to follow my passion while also gaining the qualifications I needed to build a career.
"The tutors were incredible. They understood how much training and travelling I had to do and worked with me so I could fit my education around competing.
"That support meant a lot because I didn't have to choose between getting my qualification and chasing my dream of becoming a world champion. I was able to do both."
Harison’s father sparked his love of motorcycling when he was seven years old.
He later joined Guisborough Motor Club and progressed through the British Youth Championships before reaching the world stage.
Trial3 world champion Harison Skelton. (Image: Middlesbrough College)
Harison completed his BTEC at Middlesbrough College last year and is now building a career in electrical engineering alongside his international competitions.
He now renovates homes and buildings across the region with his cousin while also pursuing his sporting ambitions.
John Cooke, associate director of TTE at Middlesbrough College, said: "Everyone at Middlesbrough College is incredibly proud of Harison.
"Becoming a world champion is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown over many years.
"What makes Harison's story particularly special is the commitment he showed to his education alongside competing internationally."
Cooke added: "We know our students have ambitions and commitments outside college, and our job is to help them reach their potential.
"By working with Harison and giving him the flexibility and support he needed, he was able to continue his studies while competing at the very highest level.
"To see him now achieve his dream of becoming a world champion, while also having a qualification and career to fall back on, is fantastic. We can't wait to see what he achieves next."
Now a world champion at just 18, Harison plans to continue balancing life as an electrical engineer with competing at the highest level of motorcycling.