Little did Caitlin H realise when she decided to try out the triathlon aged just nine years old, that just a few years later she would be selected to represent Great Britain in the 2023 World Sprint Distance Triathlon Championships. The event, to be held in Hamburg next summer, will bring together many of the world’s most resilient and determined athletes.

Caitlin, who is currently studying for her GCSEs at Wellington College, Berkshire, was chosen after competing successfully at the recent Box End qualifier and will be one of the youngest in the GB team. The event will require her to complete a 750 metre open water swim, a gruelling 20km cycle ride, and then a 5km run – hardly a sprint for us mere mortals, but distances that Caitlin takes in her stride given the hours she spends training each week. Quite where she finds the time is a mystery, for as well as the exams she is working towards, she is also a talented musician, playing the piano, violin and organ, and a keen member of Wellington’s Under 16 hockey squad.

‘Discipline and organisation is key, especially at a school as busy as Wellington’, she says: ‘I run before breakfast, make good use of the indoor pool and manage to do a couple of strength and conditioning sessions each week in the gym here. I just need to make sure I use the time I have productively and keep all my commitments balanced.’ When asked what she finds so appealing about the triathlon, her response is simple: ‘It’s just fun! The spirit and friendship between all the triathletes is amazing: although it’s obviously an individual sport, we all support each other, especially here at school.’

Congratulations Caitlin, and we wish you the very best of luck!