A FORMER world champion athlete is taking advantage of facilities in her home town to prepare for the world of professional sport.

Georgie Rutherford, who was born and raised in Darlington, has taken the leap in to professional triathlons following success in amateur competitions.

She became the amateur world 70.3 champion in Florida in 2009 – the race is a 1.9km swim, 90km bike and a 20km run.

In 2010, the former Hummersknott School pupil again represented Great Britain at the 70.3 Championships, as well as the world Olympic distance triathlon Championships in Budapest.

She was also awarded the Local Heroes Sporting Excellence award by The Northern Echo awards in 2010.

Last year she decided to become a professional sportswoman and is now taking advantage of trips home to visit the Dolphin Centre, where her love of the sport first began.

She said: “I am so fortunate to have continued support from the Dolphin Centre. The facilities in the pool and the newly refurbished gym are great and the staffs are always so helpful.

“I have visited the Dolphin Centre since I was a child and it is great that I can continue my training in such fantastic facilities during my frequent trips home.”

Nick Wallis, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Local Environment, said: “I am delighted that we can continue to help Georgie as her career goes from strength to strength.

“The Olympics was an inspiration to us all and it is fantastic that the Dolphin Centre can support Georgie as she enters the world of professional sport.”

Georgie is looking for financial sponsorship to help her in her race career.

Anyone interested in helping her, in return for her being an ambassador for their company, can e-mail grrutherford@hotmail.co.uk (correct)