Harpenden swimmer competes in the World Biathle Championships in Dubai

BIATHLE: LOCAL youngster Izzy Thompson, 15, competed for Great Britain in the World Biathle Championships in Dubai at the weekend.

With the temperature in the region of 35–37 degrees and sea temperature of 29 degrees Izzy finished a commendable 13th in her age group. The heat took it’s toll on the competitors as a number of entrants did not complete their races so even crossing the line was an achievement.

Izzy set off at a steady pace for the first 1000m run of the race entering her first transition in seventh place.

With the tide out the competitors had to make their way through nearly 25 metres of knee deep water before they were able to start the 200m swim. Izzy’s swim looked good but other competitors did overhaul her on the swim one quite literally hauling her back by the shoulder as they rounded the bouy at the half way mark. Again leaving the water the swimmers had an energy sapping run through the shallows before entering their second transition and heading off on their second 1000m run. Many of the swimmers looked exhausted as they set off on the second run and it was obvious that there were some very tired legs. Izzy hung on to her 13th place, which never looked under threat, whilst closing a little bit of ground on the 12th placed South African but didn’t have enough left in reserve to be able to overtake her.

This was Izzy’s second taste of representing her country having competed at the Championships last year when she finished in 14th place. Izzy who swims for Harpenden Swimming Club and runs for Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers is now back in training with the clubs before heading off at this weekend to the National Cross Country Relays in Mansfield.