Emma medals at World Championships
A Year 6 pupil came home with a gold and silver medal after representing her country in a world championship competition.
Emma headed out to Bali for 10 days to compete for Team GB in the Biathle World Championships. She spent the first 5 days training with the squad to acclimatise to the heat, humidity, beach running and in particular the challenging currents and ever-changing sea conditions for the swim.
On race day, (despite the 36 degree heat!) Emma was sharp off the line and completed the first run towards the front of the field. Then things started to get rather exciting. She had a strong first transition and took a smart, attacking racing line in the open water, which together with a smooth second transition saw her jump five places into silver medal position going into the second run.
She knew she had some strong sprinters behind her and threw everything she had into her second run across the sand, holding off the pack to be the first Brit over the line, claim the individual silver medal and lead the GB team to gold!
It was such a thrilling race to watch and Emma couldn’t quite believe it at first! Her parents commented: “we were very proud to see the rewards of all of her focus, hard work and determination as she stood on the podium with her medals.”
Head of Prep Sport Mr Jamie Vigano said: “This is an exceptional achievement and the whole of the Prep School are very proud of Emma and wish her many congratulations as she celebrates her medals. It was wonderful for the Prep children to hear about her exciting Biathle journey and see both medals in person during the school assembly.”
Emma said: “It was very hot in Bali and the GB team weren’t used to running in that heat, but we all really enjoyed it and did our best. It was nice to see some of the other children that I’ve met before and it was amazing to get to stand on the podium and be awarded two medals.”
