A TOTAL OF 24 athletes from Dorset Pentathletes took part in the National Biathle Championships in Salford Quays.

The club members taking part this year were down due to holidays and cost but Dorset Pentathletes had great success, winning five gold, four silver and three bronze medals.

They were once again the top team in the competition with five national champions.

The event consisted of a run to swim to run competition with distances comprising of a 400m to a 1600m run, a 50m to a 200m swim followed by the same distance run again. The distances done varied with each age group.

The event was also a selection event for the World Championships in Sarasota, Florida, on October 21-23, with the top six in each age group being selected for Great Britain.

RESULTS

Girls 11-and-under: Bea Southcombe (fifth)

Boys’ 13-and-under: Finn Pardy (first), Joe Ashworth (fourth), Jamie Robinson (fifth), Ryan Openshaw (seventh)

Girls’ 13-and-under: Darcy Dryden (eighth)

Girls’ 15-and-under: Abbie White (first), Estella Depierre (third), Amy Northam (seventh), Phoebe Mills (10th), Sarah Carr (15th)

Boys’ 14-and-under: Liam Openshaw (second), Sam Cobb (third)

Girls’ 17-and-under: Sarah Wilson (second), Abigail Richardson (third)

Youth boys’ under-19: Elliot Laville (fourth)

Youth girls’ under-19: Caitlin Wosika (first), Olivia Manson (fourth), Katherine Townsend (fifth)

Masters’ women over-60: Mary Collett (first), Margaret Smith (second)

Masters’ men over-40: Thomas Manson (sixth)

Masters’ Men over-50: Andy Whittall (second)

Masters’ Men over-70: Peter Collett (first)

Team coach Mick Flaherty said: “Once again, the Dorset Pentahletes dominated the British Championships, winning more medals than any other team.

“This is an excellent achievement for the athletes. The dedication and commitment the team has shown to training and racing has paid off, with 20 team members being selected for the British team for the World Championships in Florida.

“The competition was an amazing feat considering all the big cities that we have to compete with. Credit must also go to the younger members of the team who have shown lots of determination in their first year of biathle.”

The last race of the biathle season will take place at Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth on September 3.

All the team have to fund themselves for these events and World Championships, so if there are any potential sponsors who would be interested in sponsoring any member of the team for the championships, contact Mick Flaherty on flaherty121@aol.com.