DIVING IN: James Dawson in the biathlon event at Millfield
WEST Dorset swimmers from schools around the county put on a top-class display at a special biathlon event held at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup in Millfield, Somerset.
Students that excelled at the Schools' Regional Championships in both the South West and the South Eastern regions were invited to compete at the top-notch meeting and despite tough competition West Dorset earned themselves a trophy.
The boys had a particularly rough time battling strong winds and driving rain, which made the 1000m/2000m run a question of endurance.
Year Seven pupil Peter Thornton, of St Osmund's Middle, Dorchester, fought well in both events to earn himself a second, while school-mate Matt Cracknell of Year Eight got a good personal best in the pool to finish eighth overall.
Scott Civil of Year Ten at the Thomas Hardye School, Dorchester, put in some great times to achieve third while Year Five's Hugh Ireland of St Andrew's CE Primary came eighth and Jonathon Greenwood of Stickland's finished 12th.
In the Year 12/13 group, experienced biathlete James Dawson of Weymouth College did a good swim to secure third place. The boys were proud to be presented with their awards by David Hemery, 1968 Olympic Champion in the 400m hurdles.
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The next day the girls were lucky enough to enjoy beautiful sunshine. Rosie Smith and Jackie Morris, in Year Ten at the Thomas Hardye School, finished third and ninth respectively with Smith achieving a great personal best in the run. Thomas Hardye Year Nine student Olivia Thornton finished ninth overall with a good fourth placing in the 100m swim.
Lucie Fry of Thorners got a lifetime best in the swim to finish sixth overall while Livie Freeman of Year Six at St Mary's, Puddletown, came seventh, also with a pb in the swim.
TOP-CLASS DISPLAY: Lucie Fry, Laura Chitty, Grace Smith, Liv Thornton and Livie Freeman
Laura Chitty in Year Seven at All Saints' School, Weymouth, made a great run to see her place fifth.
While resting between events the students were able to watch the Modern Pentathlon World Cup finalists battle it out for the medals and were lucky enough to see GB's Sam Weale finish in bronze position. The icing on the cake was Britain's Heather Fell taking gold and the title of World Champion.
In the Modern Pentathlon, all five events of shooting, swimming, fencing, horse riding and running must be done in one day and there is little time for recovery between events.
Colin Cracknell, main squad coach at West Dorset Swimming Club, said: "It was a privilege to see the world's best pentathletes competing.
"The mental and physical toughness they show is awesome and it's a real inspiration to the children who took part in the invitational biathlon.
"The kids have excelled themselves competing against the best biathletes in the whole of the south of England and I'm delighted with them."
West Dorset Warriors train at both the Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in Dorchester and Bridport Leisure Centre and welcomes new members. If you are interested contact Janet Hewitt on 266175 or click on wdwarriors.org.uk
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