A FORMER pupil of both Ryedale School and Ampleforth College is representing Great Britain in the modern pentathlon this summer - with her sights set on the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Clementine Cooper, 19, only started swimming five years ago - in the sea, on holiday - and then with lessons in Ampleforth pool. She now attends Loughborough University where she is coached by Jack Hall, part of the university’s triathlon team.

After being ranked ninth overall in the modern pentathlon in the country earlier this year, she said that competing in Berlin in August is for her mostly about gaining international experience.

“It’s about competing against top level athletes,” she said. “I’m proud to represent my country.

“It has been a most amazing journey so far and that with hard work and determination you can achieve so much more than you think.”

In recent years, she has represented Great Britain in the Laser Run World Championships in South Africa, come second in the British Universities Competition 2018, and come first in Yorkshire in the modern pentathlon in 2018.

Modern pentathlon consists of five disciplines - running, swimming, laser shooting, fencing and showjumping.

Her training regime each week includes - in addition to her coursework - five hours of shooting practice, 13 hours of swimming, three to four runs - each lasting between one and two hours, 10 hours of fencing practice, and three to four hours of strength and conditioning training.

She also does two to three hours of riding per week during the holidays and a physio session once every two weeks.

In addition to representing Great Britain in the pentathlon this summer, she also recently spoke at Elevate, the UK’s leading trade event for physical activity, about her sporting journey.

The two-day trade show, held in London, is attended by thousands of senior decision makers of the fitness club market.