YOUNG Sky Draper continued to make waves with a sensational performance in the 14th Tri-Force Midsummer Sunrise Aquathlon. The popular event, based at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans, took place on Wednesday, June 18, with 80 early-bird compet

YOUNG Sky Draper continued to make waves with a sensational performance in the 14th Tri-Force Midsummer Sunrise Aquathlon.

The popular event, based at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, St Albans, took place on Wednesday, June 18, with 80 early-bird competitors completing a 500m pool swim, followed by a 5km run around Verulamium Park. Conditions on the day were good which saw some record-breaking performances and very close competition, particular amongst the men.

The performance of the day was from Sky, aged 12, of Jetstream Tri Club who won the ladies race in record time (25.45), bettering last year's time by nearly two minutes and also finishing eighth overall with an exceptional display.

Tri-Force and St Albans Striders athlete Paul Adams followed up last year's success by winning a very competitive men's race in a record time of 23.24, closely followed by Andrew Jakeman, and Mark Robertson of FVS Tri in second and third.

Kevin Partridge (FVS Tri) and Robert Van Tromp (Verulam ASC/Watford Harriers) won the male veteran and male under-20 categories respectively, finishing in fourth and fifth places overall, with less than two minutes separating the top five.

Libby Cameron (Met Police Tri) and Ursula Schulz finished second and third in the ladies race, with Sarah-Jane Stephens the first female vet (31.44) and Claire Simm taking the female under-20s top prize with a time of 29.29.

The event was enjoyed by all involved - participants and helpers alike - and raised £75 for APSIRE, a charity which works with people with spinal cord injuries.

All the competitors had finished the event and were tucking in to a well deserved breakfast by 6.45am.