Ipswich teen to represent Team GB at European tournament

Darcy Gladwell, 16, will represent the country in the European Youth Triathlon Championships.

Darcy, who is a pupil at Ipswich School, secured a spot on the team following the super series event held at Mallory Park in Leicestershire at the end of June.

She trains with Ipswich clubs, Teamipswich Swimming and Ipswich Harriers Running Club.

To qualify, she finished fourth over the distances of a 300m swim, an 8km bike ride and 2km run, beating competitors a year older than her in the doing.

Valerie Gladwell, Darcy’s mother said: "It has been a surreal few months.

Darcy will represent the country in Spain (Image: Valerie Gladwell)

"At the time of her GCSEs, Darcy was selected to represent Team GB.

"Now in the same week as joining sixth form she is off to Spain to compete in the European Youth Championships, but Darcy is amazing in how she deals with everything, taking it in her stride.

"We are just so proud of her and can’t wait to watch her compete."

Dave Champion, Teamipswich head coach, added: "Darcy is an incredibly talented athlete, and it is fantastic that she has been selected to represent Team GB.

"Triathlon is obviously a combination of the three events, and I know Darcy through swimming, but I know how good she is with her dedication to training and maturity when it comes to competing.

"Everyone at Teamipswich will be rooting for Darcy when she competes - we are in awe of what she has achieved."

Teamipswich has seen a string of successes in recent months including four medals at the Swim England Championships.

Earning a spot on the podium was Sophie Dowding, who won gold in the ladies' 800m freestyle, Patch Robinson with his silver in the men's 1500m freestyle, Ashton Redhead took home a silver and a bronze and Ellen Duffield also won bronze.

Darcy will compete in the Championships in Banyoles in Spain, with the tournament taking place between September 6 and 8.