Junior School Boys at North West Biathlon Competition

Our boys did very well at a recent Biathlon event. Read on…

On the 11th October 2015, Merchant Taylors Boys and Girls School travelled to Lancaster for the North West Biathlon Competition. After the long drive of approximately 1hr 30minutes we arrived at the sports centre where it was held. The boys were building the tension as the swim of 50m was about to begin!
We got changed and entered the poolside to see a lot of parents cheering their boys and girls on but the big shock to us was to see the amount of children who had come to compete and it was not only schools it was also Biathlon Clubs. The heats came quick for the under 10s as Oliver Raw and Harry Olson swimming in the same race ; two of the best swimmers in there year! They both did very well – Harry coming 2nd and Oli coming 3rd. Then came Jack Carney, Max Fitton and Andrew Storch’s race. Jack was on firing form when he came up to dive. It was also a very tight race; all in good positions but as expected Jack did amazingly. Straight after came Charlie Birchall and Rhys Davies, Rhys was used to these things as he has been to the final for the last 2 years so he knew the challenge ahead. A nice, smooth swim from the both of them. Then last but not least, Charlie Olson who was in a heat on his own, setting himself up very well for the run later that day. Everyone including the girls did well, but that was only the first stage!
Next up was the run. As soon as our eyes peered over to the track, our mouths were wide open! Whilst warming up and stretching, Miss Fraser gave us the pep talk so everyone knew the tactics of pelting it at the start, to get a good position and then keep a steady pace and then leg it at the end. The run was also in heats and once again the under 10s were up first. Oli had an absolutely fantastic run! Harry doing rather well too! Then came Max Fitton and Jack Carney – the man of the tournament so far! Jack was off to a flying start. Unfortunately, on the second lap Max’s shoe fell off! But he kept on going! Andrew was the one on his own in a heat this time and a mid-placing finish for him. Then lastly came Rhys, Charlie B and Charlie O all in a good position to finish.
After all our events had finished the presentation began. Charlie B, Rhys and Charlie O won best team and Oliver Raw won a bronze trophy for his individual race. Jack, Andrew and Max won a silver medal for team. Jack also did well for the individual’s as well.
Well done to everyone for their good efforts!
Match Report By: Charlie Olson