Teacher's surprise at duathlon championship wins

A woman who took up duathlons in her 50s said the sport has given her a new lease of life.

Sarah Paterson, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, won World and European championships in her age group after taking up the sport later in life.

Ms Paterson said she was inspired by reading BBC presenter Louise Minchin's autobiography after she represented Team GB in triathlon.

"I thought if she can do it, I could have a try," she said.

The former BBC Breakfast presenter qualified for the GB age group triathlon team in 2015 for the World Triathlon Championships.

A duathlon is an endurance event consisting of running and cycling.

Ms Paterson said her success came as a surprise as she was always a keen runner but did not take up cycling until she was 49 years old.

"I bought a big bicycle as a way of avoiding running injuries. I thought if I do get an injury at least I can still then get some exercise in," she said.

The music teacher will represent Great Britain in the 55-59 age group at the Duathlon European Championships in Portugal in June.

'A huge privilege'

Ms Paterson said she fell in love with the sport after joining a cycling club in Stourbridge.

"I love being fit and healthy and yes I'm having a few days off work to attend this event but I'd like to think I don't have many days off ill because I am fit and healthy," she added.

From a novice in the sport to becoming a world champion, she said students at her school, Holy Trinity Primary, have been supportive and she hoped to achieve more in the sport.

"My aims and aspirations are to keep being fit and healthy while I'm still enjoying it and enjoying racing," Ms Paterson said.

"It's a huge privilege."