World Biathle Championship Qualifer 2016

Amy, my daughter, asked me to try and race a Biathle, a continuous run-swim-run (1200m sprint-100m swim-1200m sprint) but there was one major problem I could only swim girly breaststroke and didn't like putting my head in the water!!

I set the goal to learn to swim and began lessons in May 2016 this year.

The Thursday before the race I had only "just" managed to swim the 100m I needed to complete the race. This really didn't help my pre race nerves. I did know I could swim the distance but this was in a swimming pool. My race was in a quay in Manchester!

So I set to the start line feeling physically sick out of fear. I told Amy I didn't want to do it and she just said " you are dressed ready, just have a go mum you will be fine". Amy is my inspiration and I did as she asked. I stood on the start line and "just had a go".

The race I competed in was the veterans over 50's British Biathle Championships and came in 2nd place, winning a silver medal. Along with my silver medal, my time qualified me to compete in the World Championships later this year in Florida. I came 40 seconds under the qualifying time and gained my GB kit, ready for my international debut in October.

I overcame so many fears to compete in this race and I doubted myself every step of the way but it really proves that if you set a goal, follow a plan, trust the process you can really achieve, even at my age!

I am going to the Biathle World's with my forever supportive daughter Amy who came in 1 minute 40 secs under her qualifying time.