A CORNISH lecturer has triumphed in the European Biathle Championships.

Duchy College lecturer, Nicola Rowley, came home with a silver medal.

Held in Turkey, the final featured athletes from 14 countries.

Nicola, who is the programme manager for Tournament Golf at Duchy College, part of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), took part in the event Biathle, which is a continuous run, swim, run event under the governing body of Modern Penthalon.

The gruelling race sees athletes complete a 1500m run, followed by a 200m sea swim and then another 1500m run.

Travelling amongst Team GB athletes Nicola was joined by a strong team of 35 athletes spanning from the junior age groups to the open and masters races.

The competition course was a fast flat out and back run, however the sea swim provided waves and tidal considerations with a shallow beach entry. Having competed and coached within the sport for the last 14 years Nicola had a game plan in place.

Nicola said: “Travelling in the GB team is always a privilege. After a year out of sport in 2014, this was the start of building my confidence back on the international scene; the aim was to finish top two. The race went off a lot faster than anticipated completing the first 1500m in 5min9sec, which separated the leading pack of three from the rest of the field heading into the choppy ocean.

“After the swim I had pulled out a slight lead, however knowing the athletes’ strengths on the run meant I was being chased down, and unfortunately could not hold on for gold this time.

“With only eight months of foundation training I was pleased with the outcome, and it just pushes me to train solid for the start of the season in April. Working within an elite environment with the Tournament Golf course, I would like to think I can set a good example even though it is within a different sport.”

For more information on Tournament Golf on offer at Duchy College visit www.duchy.ac.uk or call 0845 60 50 455.