Monkton Prep Triumphs again at the National Biathlon Championships

Pupils from Monkton Prep School have continued their string of sporting successes at a National level when they competed in the National Biathlon Championships in Solihull at the end of November.

The pupils competing had qualified in the South West regional championships earlier in the year in the Modern Biathlon, which involves both swimming and running. The Prep School Under  10 team were competing for the first time at a National level and finished in second place to take silver. The Under 11 team was defending their title, having won the competition last year. They didn’t disappoint, finishing in first place and keeping their title as National champions.

Monkton Prep pupils also performed exceptionally on an individual level with William Mitchell achieving 7^th place in the country in the Under 13s and Jack Fry achieving 7^th place in the Under 12s. Lawrence Martindale performed at an outstanding level and finished in first place in the Under 11s competition, placing him top in the country.

Coach and teacher at the school Rachel Martindale said “I am so proud of the hard work and performance of our pupils. Competing at a National level, achieving so much and maintaining this position has taken a great amount of training and drive and each of our pupils continue to perform at an outstanding level. A very big well done to them all”.

The pupils are also coached by Dan Hester, a former Olympic swimmer who said, ‘these pupils continue to work hard to prepare for these competitions and really deserve their successes’

Headmaster at Monkton Prep Mr Andrew Marshall-Taylor commented “It is not just about sporting ability and fantastic coaching but it also takes a great deal of strength of character to compete and win at a National level. I am extremely impressed by their determination and achievements and thank both the pupils and coaches for all of the hard work they have put in to put our School into the top position in the country.”