THE Taunton Prep School Biathlon team set off for Millfield senior school to compete in the semi-finals of the 
GB schools' Biathlon competition on Sunday.
This event has grown considerably since we first entered five years ago, with approximately 60+ pupils entering from each age group.
We arrived at 9.30 and registered, collecting our numbers and t-shirts. We made a base and started our warm ups, then the events began!
The Year 8 girls were the first to battle on the track with Mary Sloman, Emily Yap and Kizzy Price fighting for their quick times.
Millie also achieved a pleasing track time, but unfortunately Ellie Bagley had to pull-up injured. Their swim times did not disappoint and we ended the day as the top Y8 girls team, composing of Emily, Mary and kizzy. 
Emily also won the individual event after a superb nail-biting swim!
The Year 8 boys fought hard with some good times particularly on the track. A fast run from Dom Court and Denys Koshel looked promising but there were to be no medals this year as the swim field proved too tough. Well done also to Tommy Wyatt, Ed Shattock, Finn Harrington and Will Ogle.
The Year 7 girls, Eleri brown and Harriet Bawden and Sam Smith in the boys event all worked hard, and achieved pleasing rankings in a tough field.
The Year 6 boys had a very long day having a later start than most for their events but it was worth the wait! George Tester achieved a fabulous 30.21 PB in the pool and a second place in the run ensuring he took the title of Year 5 boys' champion. Will Newton and Archie Robinson also worked hard in both the run and swim heats and their efforts combined ensured they medalled as the 3rd placed Year 5 team.
The Year 5 girls could have been a little daunted by their huge field of entrants and the challenge ahead of them, but it did not show. They swam and ran to their best and achieved some promising times for the future.
Well done Mimi Lecompte, Emily Lawton and Poppy Hutchins on achieving 7th placed team. I shall look forward to watching you progress, just as the Year 8 girls have.
Well done to all; the next stage is the GB finals to be held at Crystal Palace at the end of March.