An accountant has represented Great Britain in an international triathlon.

Lawrence Shafier, a partner at Haslers Accountants in Old Station Road, Loughton, participated in The International Triathlon Union (ITU) Triathlon Long Distance World Championships held in Motala, Sweden, on Saturday (July 4).

The athlete, who entered the championships at part of the team representing the UK, completed one-and-a-half km, cycle 120 km and run a further 30 km, while competing against some of the world’s top athletes.

More than 800 competitors took part in the event, in which Mr Shafier came 29th in his age group, finishing with a time of 6 hours and 37 minutes.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Mr Shafier completed the competition on Saturday (July 4).

The accountant said: “It was a really tough event and there was a lot of fierce competition on the day.

"I trained hard to take part and I was happy with my result.”

Mr Shafier is now set to face the European Triathlon Union Olympic Distance European Championship on July 12, which is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Laurence Jacobs, Chairman of Haslers, said: “We are all immensely proud of Lawrence’s achievements in Sweden.

"He really managed to hold his own during such a tough event.

“We are all looking forward to hearing how well he does at his next event in Geneva and we want to wish him the best of luck.”