Big boost for pentathlete Harrison Yarnold (From Dorset Echo)

Big boost for pentathlete Harrison Yarnold

5:00pm Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport By Echo Reporter

PENTATHLETE Harrison Yarnold, 14, from Askerswell, near Bridport, has been selected from the GB England Talent Pool for the World Class Talent Programme.

After serving a three-month probation period, which he hopes will prove to be merely a formality, Harrison should be confirmed as being on the WCTP by April this year.

Yarnold took part in his first international competition as part of Pentathlon Team GB last weekend at Hartpury College near Gloucester.

He competed in the Youth B boys’ category by swimming 200m and then taking part in the new combined event, which comprised running and shooting.

This new event involves shooting with a laser pistol at a target 10m away and interspersed with 800m runs.

Yarnold finished eighth in the swim and first in the combined event to finish a creditable fourth overall.

He was also presented with a gold medal for being a member of the winning Youth B Boys’ GB team. This is a fine achievement as it was Yarnold’s first outing in the red polo shirt of Pentathlon Team GB.