Guernsey woman becomes aquabike world champion

Andrea Nightingale competed in the 60-64 age category

A Guernsey athlete has won her third consecutive gold medal in the long-distance sport of aquabike in Australia.

Andrea Nightingale competed in the 60-64 age category of the sport which is similar to a triathlon but without the run.

She competed against 25 other women in her age group completing a 116km (72 mile) bike ride and 3km (1.9 mile) swim in less than four and a half hours.

"It feels absolutely amazing," she said. "I'm so chuffed as its been pretty tough to get there. But I'm amazed and so so happy."

Ms Nightingale began training 10 years ago

Ms Nightingale had previously sustained an injury and so could not start training until just before Christmas 2023.

It was her third consecutive title in the sport - having begun competing 10 years ago when she was 52 years old.

For this competition, Ms Nightingale trained for about 17 hours a week.

Second place was secured by Austria's Sabine Greipel and third place by USA's Lori Selby.

Ms Nightingale said: "I just want to really encourage any ladies out there... if you have the mentality that wants to say lets give it a go - just go for it."

She added: "I want inspire anybody to achieve what they want to achieve at any age."