A schoolgirl from St Albans is heading to Florida for the World Championships – after securing qualification in her first tilt at a unique triathlon.

Herts Advertiser: Raissa Vickery completes the shooting section of the triathlonRaissa Vickery completes the shooting section of the triathlon (Image: Archant)

Raissa Vickery took part in the UK National Triathle Championships at Sherborne in Dorset.

The modern triathlon is a shortened version of a modern pentathlon and involved two laps of a 25m swim, 200m run and shooting section, where you needed five bullseyes to advance.

The nine-year-old St Albans High School for Girls student was in the youngest age category.

The race was continuous, with a transition stage for the swimming – shoes off and in a box.

Herts Advertiser: Raissa Vickery heading through the transition areaRaissa Vickery heading through the transition area (Image: Archant)

She has recently joined Pentathlon GB and this was her first go at this format and in a Pentathlon GB event.

She finished second overall in her age category, including boys, gaining her selection for the 2016 Triathle World Championships in Sarasota, Florida, on October 21.

Vickery is also a member of Flamstead Pony Club and City of St Albans Swimming Club.

Her main aim is to do the full Modern Pentathlon in time.

Her dad James said: “She was really nervous before the event but she makes quite a commitment to train in each of the disciplines with different clubs in Hertfordshire, and still keep on top of her school work.

“Getting an opportunity to represent her country is still sinking in, and of course we are proud of her achievement.”

The logistics of getting her to the championships now begin in earnest.

They are looking for help with travel and accommodation while taking part.

Anyone interested in sponsoring her should contact James Vickery on jimvicks@yahoo.com or 07881 813 804.