THE recent Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City came just a little too soon for Bolton-born biathlon king John Holt.

Amazingly the 19-year-old only took up the event - a mixture of long distance cross-country Nordic skiing and rifle shooting - back in October, but has already won a host of British titles in his chosen sport.

His victories include the British Biathlon Junior Novice Championships at both 15km and 12.5km, and the Individual Nordic Combination Best Novice prize.

Although his family still live in Breightmet, John is currently stationed with the army out in Germany.

Says father, John Snr: "We are obviously extremely proud of the way he has come on in such a short space of time. Until late last year he had only ever tried dry-slope skiing.

"The fact that he is in the army has helped with his fitness, and obviously his training helps him with the shooting part."

"His Commanding Officer is considering putting together a British Olympic team."

John has always been a versatile sportsman. However, perhaps his biggest achievement came last year when he completed a 55 mile run for charity over in Bosnia with fellow Boltonian Morgan Armstrong.