Owen’s going for gold

SPORTING all-rounder: Crompton House pupil Owen Mitchell.

TALENTED teenager Owen Mitchell is setting his sights on the World Triathlon Championships in Budapest.

The Crompton House sixth form pupil will be going for gold in Hungary after starring in the UK triathlon qualifying competition at Emberton Park, Northamptonshire.

He claimed a superb first place in the 17-18 years section and was placed third in the under-20s category in a time of one hour, six minutes.

The race consisted of a 750metre swim, followed by a punishing 20km cycle on undulating roads, before finishing with a 5km run.

Owen will compete in the under-20s event in Budapest, but will warm up for a crack at the world title with races in London and Liverpool.

He first took up triathlon two years ago. He was already a keen swimmer and runner, but wanted a new challenge.

The 17-year-old competed in his first event alongside his father, and immediately caught the bug.

Owen trains for up to 24 hours a week. As well as using pools, he swims in Owd Betts Reservoir near Norden, and Salford Quays, where he recently achieved first place in a Swim/Run Aquathon.

To improve his stamina, he cycles and runs over the Pennines near his home in Falinge, Rochdale.

Owen has to juggle training with his

A-levels, and hopes to go to university.

Mrs Elsie Tough, head of Crompton House, said: “I am very proud of Owen and his success so far.

“It is very hard to balance competing at a very high standard and demanding A-levels, and Owen is obviously working very hard at this. “We wish him every success in his triathlon and his studies.

“He is obviously a name to look out for in the future.”

Owen is on the look-out for sponsorship. For details, contact Crompton House on 01706 847451.