The tough physical and mental sport of triathlon is the latest challenge for Upton Junior School sports star Grace Cummings.
Grace, 11, came an impressive second overall in the national Castle Series Triathlon at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire at the weekend.
She was competing against 52 other contestants in her age group and completed the course in 24.33 minutes.
The three-part event against the clock featured a 200 meter swim, a 4km cycle and a 1600 metre run.
Her next goal is taking part in another two triathlons in the next few months at Chantilly in France and closer to home at Hever Castle in Kent.
The Chateau de Chantilly event during August Bank Holiday weekend will see Grace swim in the grand canal overlooked by the château and its gardens, before the cycle ride through the Forêt de Chantilly, culminating in a run through the woodlands, the world famous race course L’Hippodrome and the chateau gardens.
The Hever race in the grounds of the historic double-moated castle, once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, is also part of the Castle Triathlon series and takes place at the end of September.
Deputy Head of School Dave Walker said: “Grace’s family are extremely proud of her achievements and so are our staff and pupils at Upton.
“She is an excellent runner and swimmer and has represented Kent in the English Schools Cross Country and has a clutch of national swim times.
“Grace is a superb athlete who is always challenging herself to improve her performance. Last year she reached the national finals in the biathlon which was a terrific performance and so a triathlon is a natural progression for her.’
“She is determined and enthusiastic about her sport and we wish her every success for her future.”