Triathlete wins bronze at European championships (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Dhabi now eyes World Championships

10:39am Thursday 15th July 2010 in Sport

A YOUNG Ongar triathlete has a chance of international glory after she won bronze at a prestigious competition.

Venita Dhabi finished third in the European sprint and standard distance Triathlon Championships at Athlone in Ireland.

Dhabi was competing in the 16-19 year-old age group for Great Britain's amateur team.

It means she is now in line for a shot at a place in the upcoming World Championships.

Dhabi is a member of Tri-Sport Epping, which is an Ongar-based club.

Spokesman Daniel Ward said: “It’s obviously a big honour.

“This event was the big one for us."

Tri-Sport Epping had seven of its athletes in the colours of Great Britain in Athlone.

There is much pride at the club at this figure, which is double the usual number of athletes the club takes to the event.

“It’s not normally so many, so to get this number is really good,” said Mr Ward. “All the hard work has been paying off.”

Also in action from Tri-Sport Epping in Ireland was Brian Longman, who finished 12th in the 45-49 year-old category.

Natalie Snow finished 20th in the 30-34 group, while Patricia Green came sixth in the 50-54 group.

Madelein van de Merwe was 21st in the 35-39 group; Geraldine Howard finished ninth in the 45-49 group; Keith Walker was 12th in the 60-64 group and Ivan Newman finished ninth in the 55-59 group.

See this week's Guardian Series newspaper for pictures.