IPSWICH swimmer Abbie Thorrington has confirmed her place in a tough European challenge to be held in Austria next month.The 15-year-old Ipswich schoolgirl will now compete in the fiercely competitive European Triathlon Championship, after stealing first place in a recent national event.
By Debbie Watson
IPSWICH swimmer Abbie Thorrington has confirmed her place in a tough European challenge to be held in Austria next month.
The 15-year-old Ipswich schoolgirl will now compete in the fiercely competitive European Triathlon Championship, after stealing first place in a recent national event.
Abbie – a strong member of Ipswich Swimming Club – has been taking part in triathlons since the age of nine.
She has made a big impression on the triathlon scene in recent times – thinking nothing of the gruelling physical demands.
"I have to combine a lake swim of 400 metres, with a cycle race of eight km and then a 2,400 metre run," she said.
"It's a great feeling when it all comes
together and I'm absolutely thrilled that I've got through to the European Championships."
She added: "It's a great deal of hard work to keep on top of the training, but I get a lot of support and it seems to be paying off."
Not yet sure which age group she will compete in, Abbie is set to travel to Austria in time for the prestigious European event on July 27. In the meantime she is firmly concentrating on her swimming training at Crown Pools.
"The swimming is the strongest side of my triathlon bids so I put a lot of effort in to my training in the pool.
"It also gives me a great chance to keep on top of my physical stamina while I'm waiting for the championship."
Abbie is not the only Ipswich swimmer making an impact on the national triathlon circuit.
At the recent European qualifier, fellow club member Lucy Schofield took fifth place in her age group.
She also produced a spectacular performance in an event which included tough competition from the Scottish and Irish teams.
READ more of Debbie Watson on swimming in tonight's Evening Star
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