Linford Christie's Neice Makes History..becomes First Black Miss England

Rachel Christie

A big congratulations to Linford Christie's niece, Rachel Christie, who became Britain's first Black Miss England. The 20 year old from London is on a course to compete in the heptathlon at the London 2012 Olympics having won medals at major UK races such as the South of England championships. The Brunel University student is coached by her 100m Olympic gold medalist uncle, Linford Christie and trains at the stadium in Hammersmith, named after him. Before winning, she told event organisers, "My ambition in life is to compete and win gold in the 2012 Olympics."

Runner-up Kat Hodge (left) Rachel Christie (centre) & third-place Viki Bailey

Other finalists were Lance Corporal Kat Hodge, 22, from Tunbridge Wells, who was given a commendation from her unit, the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment for her actions during a posting in Basra in 2005. Miss Christie will now compete for the Miss World crown in South Africa in December.