Solihull School Girl to represent Britain in Czech Republic
17 Sep 2008
Solihull School student Courtney Hyde is to represent Great Britain at a world-title event in the Czech Republic after being crowned the Under-16s British Youth Pentathlon champion.
The 16-year-old from Alvechurch, who won the national title at Tudor Grange Sports Centre and Solihull Riding Club last month, has been picked for the Under 18 squad for the Olympic Hopes competition, even though she is two years younger than the rest of the field.
A member of UK Sport’s performance-enhancing World Class Talent programme, Courtney was selected for the British squad after recording best shot and best fence, a second-best swim and ride, and a fourth-best run in her five pentathlon sports in Solihull.
A member of the West Midlands Modern Pentathlon club, Courtney has joined the Sixth Form at Solihull School where she is already training as a member of the school’s cross-country and swimming teams for the Czech championships being held from October 16-20.
With hopes of taking part in the London Olympics, Courtney first competed in modern pentathlon at the age of 12 as a member of the West Warwickshire Pony Club. She won the British Pentathlon title in 2004 and the British Triathlon title in 2006 for her age group.
Her mother Sue Hyde said: “Courtney is totally dedicated and trains for two pentathlon sports every day, while also working hard at her school work. She deserves success in the Czech Republic where she will be up against competitors from across the world.”
Modern pentathlon comprises the five sports of running, swimming, pistol shooting, fencing and horse riding (show jumping)
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