Image: Barnard Castle Preparatory School pupils Darcy, left, and Freya Scott who travelled with Team GB to compete in U11 Triathle and Laser Run events
Two young athletes proved to be right on target as they competed for their country in South Africa.
Barnard Castle Preparatory School pupils Freya and Darcy travelled with Team GB to compete in the U11 Triathle and Laser Run events.
Triathle is a fast-paced modern pentathlon event combining running 300m, swimming 50m and laser pistol shooting in continuous, repeated segments. Lazer Run is similar but doesn’t have a swimming element.
Year 6 pupil Freya Scott, 10, made her debut in the U11 Triathle in incredibly rough seas which saw some competitors retire.
“Conditions were tough as it was really hot, we were running on sand and the sea was very choppy with 3ft waves,” said Freya, of Walworth.
“I kept being pushed back and had to dive through some of the waves. I was in the middle of a big group and kept being bashed by the waves and I can’t say I enjoyed the swimming.
“There were plenty of people around us on paddle boards and scuba divers underneath. Plus there were shark nets so I always felt safe.”
Both girls competed in U11 Lazer Run, individual and mixed gender relays. As part of the individual Lazer Run event, Darcy finished third for GB and Freya was 4th, with the top three places for each country counting towards their overall standing. As such, Darcy achieved a Team GB Silver Medal.
Image: Darcy leads the way in the Lazer Run
Darcy said: “I always enjoyed running and Freya told me about the event. While I wasn’t very good at first, by the time I took part in the qualifier in Liverpool I came fourth. Wearing my Team GB colours makes me feel so proud as I’m doing something not many people do and it was great to get a medal.”
Freya started competing after taking part in similar events in Pony Club. She then introduced Darcy to the delights of Lazer Run. Darcy said: “It is hard and you need a lot of stamina but it was an amazing experience.”
The girls spent two weeks in South Africa and enjoyed going on safari, visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, went star gazing and whale watching.
They hope to compete again for Team GB in October in Madeira with qualifiers taking place in the spring.
Prep School director of sport Martin Burgess said: “These events are extremely demanding, both physically and mentally. They have to run and shoot, and in the case of Triathle, swim, which means they have to control their breathing so they can hit the target before moving on.
“It is amazing to having two Years 6 pupils competing at an international level at such a young age and we are incredibly excited where this will lead them in future sporting events.”
Categories: Barnard Castle School
