TWENTY-FOUR members of Dorset Pentathletes making up five teams took part in the National Modern Triathlon Championships in Solihull.

The event was comprised of a shoot, swim and combined shoot and run, and competitors scored points for each discipline depending on the times they achieved.

Different ages competed over varying distances with the run ranging from 1,000m to 3,000m, the shooting either 10 or 20 shots, and the swim from 50m to 200m with a break in between.

Dorset Pentathletes’ squad was their biggest at an event like this and they did their county proud.

They won two team gold medals and one silver while in the individual competition there were two golds and two bronzes – it was the most medals the club had won at this event.

The team also finished fourth overall which was also the highest place the Dorset club had achieved in the national triathlon.

Georgia Gussey took individual bronze in the girls’ 10-and-under category and in the girls’ 12-and-under section, the team made up of Tabitha Samoulle (10th), Catherine Tolley (12th), Rebecca War-land (15th), Elektra Covell (17th) and Gemma Wyatt (24th) claimed silver.

The 12-and-under boys – Josh Dreelan (16th), Harry O’Donahue (17th), Ollie Sanderson (19th) and Shem Martin (21st) – finished fourth.

Ioan Baxter was seventh and Alex Felton eighth in the 14-and-under boys’ section while in the girls’ equivalent, Elizabeth Tolley (11th), Kara Hughes (15th), Jessica Sutton (14th), Kizzy Price (23rd), Ellie Gussey (26th) and Poppy Boyden (24th) made up the team that ended the competition in fifth.

The boys’ 16-and-under team came first and Harrison Yarnold clinched individual gold as well, with Bradley Sutton third and Jamie Price 10th.

In the girls’ 18-and-under category, Dorset were again too good for the opposition as the squad of Rebecca Bowles (4th), Mollie Hansford (5th) and Charlie Follett (7th) secured another gold, and Nick Ireland once again took individual gold to retain his Masters title.

Team coach Mick Flaherty said: “Once again, the kids from the local area have done a great job in their efforts at the nationals, and it is hoped there will be a bigger turnout from the club at the 2015 triathlon event.”

The club is now looking forward to the new season and their preparations are already well under way, with regular sessions at Lodmoor Park on Sundays and training days at Leweston School.

Should you wish to get involved with the club, either taking part in the many events they have to offer, or helping with sponsorship, email flaherty121@aol.com