BUDE lady, Louise Denby-Smith, has notched up a few remarkable sporting achievements over the summer.

On June 11, Louise not only completed her first 140.6-mile triathlon, but won the UK Ultimate Female Triathlon.

The event consisted of a 2.4-mile lake swim, a 112-mile cycle across the Wales and England border and then a 26.2 mile run to finish — all done whilst battling with heavy rain and 40 mph winds.

The 46-year-old said: “I did well in a 70.3-mile triathlon in 2015, and found myself wanting to test myself over the longer distance too.

“I also wanted to inspire others. I experience depression and social anxiety and have really struggled this year, so my training was pretty sporadic.

“I was really determined to have a go at this challenge though! I just wanted to show people that it is possible to achieve your dreams, despite having obstacles and setbacks.

“It was a tough event, and about a third of the entrants didn’t finish. The weather was awful, but there was a really friendly, supportive atmosphere, which I definitely appreciated!”

A week later, Louise also did well in her age-group in the Bude Shoreline Triathlon as she finished 74th overall, sixth out of all the female participants and second in the Female Vet 40 class.

Louise followed this with a successful endurance swim in July at the Humdinger Swim in Reading on July 15, managing to complete 18.5km in five and a half hours.