SEVEN pupils from the Northern Academy for Pentathlon, at Durham School, are representing England in the School Games National Finals.

The multi-sport event started on Thursday and will see more than 1,300 13 to 16-year-old athletes compete until Sunday and previous competitors have become Olympic medallists.

Seventeen former School Games competitors won medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics – six golds – including Adam Peaty, Lily Owsley and Georgie Twigg.

The School Games events sees the top-level athletes compete for England, Scotland, Wales or Ireland in athletics, cricket, cycling, hockey, laser run, netball, triathlon, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair tennis.

Kim Dougal, the Northern Pentathlon academy lead and England manager, said: “It is great to have so many Durham School Pentathlon athletes progressing to the international finals. The academy is only a couple of years old so the rapid development of athletes up to an international level is extremely exciting.”

Chloe Johnson who is competing for England, said “I think I am most looking forward to working in a team with those who enjoy the same sport as me. Being in the England team is really an honour and I see it as a step in the right direction to be like the people I have looked up to in sport.”

Representing England under 15 girls are Chloe Johnson, Kaitlin Major and Rose Squires. Competing in the under 17 boys category are Tom Sadanandom, James Willcock and Archie Harding; Henry Squires will represent England under 15.

 

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