ATHLETES from Colfe’s School in Lee just missed out on becoming national champions after finishing runners up in the national aquathlon competition at the weekend.

Crowds of supporters cheered on the competitors from 24 schools as they swam for 200m and then went on to run 1.5km at Pingles Leisure Centre in Nuneaton.

The U15 team which placed second was made up of Year 9 pupil Ellen Dunbar and Year 10 trio Millie Bach, Edgar Haruns and Jonny Regnier.

Haruns said: “It wasn’t a good day for the weather as it was pouring with rain, windy and cold.

“But actually it made me run faster as I was trying to keep warm.

“I was really excited to stand on the podium and receive our medals.

“I was so proud for the team and the school, it felt very good.”

The U13 team consisting of Year 7 student Evan Macdonald and Ben Debney, Megan Marchant and Victoria Newman, all of Year 8, came sixth.

Newman said: “Everyone's spirits were high and I was quite excited and a little nervous.

“I have done events for the school before but not such a big national event.

“The aquathlon involved both swimming and running.

“There was a great atmosphere all day and it was a very well organised event.

“Everyone participated really well and gave their all.”

Swimming teacher Miss Manzi added: “This was a fantastic effort by all of our swimmers and Miss Holder and I are extremely proud of them all.

“I also want to mention Gemma Stevenson in Year 8 and Olivia Porter in Year 9 who did not compete in the finals but were part of the county team which got us here and helped make today happen.”

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