A KEEN athlete, forced to avoid contact sports by his haemophilia but now flourishing in triathlon, has been selected to represent his country at an international competition.

Former Barnard Castle School student Jacob Shannon will be part of the Team GB squad taking part in the gruelling World Triathlon Championships, in Cozumel, Mexico.

The 19-year-old, of Middleton Tyas, near Richmond, is currently appealing for sponsors as he prepares for the contest.

Jacob is currently running and cycling in winter clothing to help adapt to the 30 degrees of heat he is expecting to face when he competes in Mexico, on September 18, a trial of endurance involving a 1,500m swim, 40km cycle ride and 10km run.

But because he was born with haemophilia B, a chronic condition that prevents blood clotting, even falling off his bike can cause him serious injury.

“It meant that when I was at Barnard Castle School I couldn’t really play rugby or football so I took up swimming and cross country,” he said. “The teachers were very supportive and I was swimming team captain and won the Barney Bash and Run cross-country contests.

He added: "In 2012 I spent a total of two months in hospital with going in and out, because I kept having knocks and accidents.

"That was actually what made me want to start self-injecting so I could take more control over my treatment. It was weird for the first couple of times but now I'm used to it."

Jacob uses an approved medication that prevents internal bleeding in the event of sustaining an injury.

He is reading a degree in sport and exercise science at the University of Leeds where next year he will be triathlon club captain. He also trains at the Leeds Triathlon Centre, alongside the Brownlee brothers.

“The Brownlees really are an inspiration and I was determined to qualify for Team GB this year, which I did at an event in Cambridgeshire,” he said. “I came second in my age group so the aim for Mexico is to be the fastest of the under 20s.”

He said seeing the Brownlee brothers return from Rio with gold and silver medals, as well as Vicky Holland bagging a bronze was a major inspiration.

"All those athletes are from the Leeds Triathlon Centre so to know that it is such a good place to train makes me think I can also get there one day."

The trip is expected to cost Jacob around £4,000 and he is looking for sponsors. “Any help would be really appreciated,” he said.

Anyone interested in helping can contact him at jacob.shan123@googlemail.com.