A TOTAL of 42 athletes from around the area took part in the National Biathle Championships at Salford Quays, Manchester.

Dorset Pentathletes had great success in the event, winning six gold, six silver and three bronze medals, as well as once again being top team in the competition.

The event consisted of a run/swim/run with distances comprising of a 500m to 1500m run, a 50m to 200m swim, followed by the same distance run again.

The distances for the event varied within each age group.

The event was also a selection event for the World Championships in Batumi, Georgia, on September 20, with the top six in each age group being selected for Great Britain.

RESULTS

Girls’ 10-and-under Holly Johnson 5th Boys’ 10-and-under Jamie Robinson 2nd, Jack Amor 3rd, Rocco Taylor 5th, Josh Cobb 6th, Angus Evans 7th, James Carr 8th, Bert Papworth 9th, Max Dangerfield 10th, Archie Macer 11th.

Girls’ 12-and-under Abbie White 3rd, Anya Evans 5th, Jessica Hudson 11th, Kai Snell 12th, Lily Amor 15th, Vivian Taylor 17th.

Boys’ 12-and-under Ryan Symington 1st, Sam Cobb 5th, Ajay Coombes 8th, William Carr 9th, Josh Dreelan 12th.

Girls’ 14-and-under Sarah Wilson 1st, Amy Mills 4th, Amy Northam 12th, Portia Manson 13th.

Boys’ 14-and-under Robert Croager 1st, Charlie Madden 2nd.

Girls’ 16-and-under Elizabeth Tolley 2nd, Caitlin Wosika 6th, Olivia Manson 9th, Jessica Sutton 12th.

Youth Boys’ under-18 Bradley Sutton 2nd, Elliot Laville 4th.

Youth Girls’ under-18 Georgie Kemp 2nd, Leanne Symington 5th.

Junior Men Harry Lane 1st.

Masters’ Women over-40 Kay Evans 3rd.

Masters’ Woman over-60 Mary Collett 1st, Margaret Smith 2nd.

Masters’ Men over-40 Thomas Manson 4th.

Masters’ Men over-70 Peter Collett 1st.

Dorset Pentathletes’ coach Mick Flaherty said: “This is an excellent achievement for the athletes.

“The dedication and commitment the team has shown to training and racing has paid off, with 26 team members being selected for the British team for the World Championships in Georgia on September 20.

“The competition was an amazing feat considering all the big regions that we have to compete with.

“Credit also to the younger members of the team who have shown lots of determination in their first year of biathle.”

Meanwhile, the following athletes where selected to represent Great Britain at the Biathle World Championships in Guatemala: Holly Johnson, Josh Cobb, Jack Amor, Jamie Robinson, Rocco Taylor, Abbie White, Anya Evans, Ryan Symington, Robert Croager, Sarah Wilson, Amy Mills, Charlie Madden, Olivia Manson, Libby Tolley, Caitlin Wosika, Georgie Kemp, Leanne Symington, Bradley Sutton, Ryan Flaherty, Elliot Laville, Harry Lane, Peter and Mary Collett, Margaret Smith, Kay Evans and Thomas Man- son.

Flaherty added: “This is another great achievement for the club to have 26 athletes selected for the Great Britain team.

“Unfortunately due to the expense involved to take part in the World Championships a lot of the athletes will not be able to go, as the event is self-funding.”

If there are any potential sponsors who would be interested in sponsoring any member of the team for the World Championships, please contact Mick Flaherty e-mail flaherty121@aol.com The last race of the biathle season will take place from Greenhill Gardens in Weymouth on Sunday.