VIKKI Sivertsen recovered from a fall to secure a place on the podium at the ETU Middle Distance Championship in Germany.

The Malvern Triathlon Club (MTC) ace won the bronze medal in the 50-54 age group for Great Britain despite sustaining injuries to her knee and shoulder after coming off her bike.

Elite athlete Emma Pooley took the overall female winning position for GBR.

l Youngsters were introduced to the world of triathlon when they attended MTC’s first youth ‘come try-a-tri’ training event at Malvern College last weekend.

With the support of club coaches Henry Walker, Stewart Whitehead, and Richard Watling, trainee coaches, and club members 29 children between the ages of six and 13 were put through their paces.

The competitive spirit in the children was fully awakened as they took part in running activities including the ‘beep test’. The swim session revealed some excellent swimmers who undertook traditional time trial tests.

One child aged six, learnt to swim unaided for the first time under the care of coach Walker.

After a welcome cake break, the children developed transition skills. In this session, the children bare footed, donned swim hats and goggles. Then to the whistle they set out to be the fastest at ditching the swim gear, donning trainers and running 100 metres round cones and back to their team mates.

A club spokesperson said: “The concentration on each child’s face from the youngest to the oldest was a delight for the watchful parents.

“At the end of the event all the budding triathletes received a certificate of accomplishment.

“Importantly all said they had had a great time.

“This event is pivotal for Malvern and its success means that Malvern Triathlon Club is committing to fully launching its youth section this year.”