Elaina Gard, a teacher at the Dolphin School in Montpelier, Bristol, has been selected to compete for Team GB at the World Triathlon Championships in Ibiza in May. She has also qualified for the middle-distance event at the European Triathlon Championships in Belgium in August.

A competitive runner for many years, Elaina switched to triathlon two years ago, after an injury. Her success in an Ironman competition last year, in which she swam 3.8km, cycled 112 miles, then ran a marathon, qualified her for the national team.

Elaina is currently training for the long-distance event in Ibiza, which is slightly shorter: 3km swim, 116km cycle and 30km running.

A member of Kingswood Triathlon Club and Bristol & West Athletics Club, Elaina trains six days a week, often twice a day. She swims before work, where she teaches Year 5 pupils at the Dolphin School, often going for a run or a bike ride at the end of the day.

Elaina said: “I’ve always aspired to represent my country and although training takes up most of my free time, it’s all worth it.

“The children in my class think my GB kit is pretty cool, they ask a lot of questions and are particularly excited about the World Championships. I hope I will inspire some of my pupils to become passionate about sport.”

David Watson, CEO of Venturers Trust, of which the Dolphin School is part, said; “Elaina deserves every success. Her total commitment to her class, her school and her sport is inspirational. Across all of our Trust schools, we encourage children to work hard and have courage; and Elaina’s efforts demonstrate exactly what a positive attitude can achieve.”