Hi Guys,

This month started with another world cup, just over a week after the last one. This time we were in Madrid, Spain for the 4th world cup in a series of 5. For me it was another easy qualification to the final where I finished 6th place. A result I was reasonably pleased with and was the 1st British athlete across the finish line.

This competition saw me produce another slightly disappointing shooting result; however my fencing score of 928, 22 victories and 13 defeats pulled me up the field a lot.

In the pool I produced a time slightly down on my personal best, however I was happy with it because due to the layout of the competitions we were effectively doing two world cup competitions almost back to back, which is bound to be tough on the body.

In the riding I had 3 poles down but this performance saw me holding my position of 4th. Then came my least favourite event; the running. The course was tough, 4 laps with lots of tight twisty turns. I had a massive pack running me down and on the 3rd lap I though a top 6 finish was going to be impossible. I did however manage to find a second wind and fought to hold on to that 6th place.

After this competition I slightly morphed in to a student and have spent the last two weeks with my nose in books and journals trying frantically to finish my final year project for the 6th of May. The rest of the squad travelled to Hungary for a fencing camp and I must say I was green with envy that I could not go. However I know my studies are important and have to be done.

The large volume of university work perhaps came at a good time due to a slight problem occurring in my right wrist/hand. Also, because the World Championships are looming, it is proving to be a healthy distraction for me.

The countdown to them stands at 25 days. The final team selection has not yet occurred so my place at the competition is not yet definite. There is one more world cup to come and after that the team will be announced.

So back to the books I head……soon to be flying to Prague for the final world cup….Oh I hope I do well! Wish me luck!!

Mhairi