Marlow athlete Sarah Richardson has won gold in the Aquathlon World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain. She beat her closest rival by 11 seconds in the event which involved a 1km swim and 5km run.

Richardson completed the swim in tough windy conditions against a strong current and was out of the water in 11th position. She gradually moved up the field in the 5km run to take the top podium place.

Richardson took time away from her job at Edgewell Personal Care, Sword House, High Wycombe to represent the GB Age Group Team in the multisport World Championships. She has been sponsored by the company for the past two seasons and was keen to show her appreciation by doing well.

She said: “I was hoping to improve on last year’s 10th position and have been focusing hard on my swim training. I’m absolutely delighted to have won gold and become a world champion.”

Mother of two Sarah has a strict training schedule which she fits round her work and family commitments. She trains at Bray Lake with the Triathlon Training Centre and is a member of the Masters at Wycombe District Swimming Club.