Brothers reach British Obstacle Sports national team

11-year-old Thomas came fourth in his age category

Two South Shields brothers have qualified for the British Obstacle Sports national team.

The pair gained their places after competing in the Junior Championships held in Milton Keynes.

James Jarman, 14, came first and 11-year-old Thomas came fourth in their respective age categories.

Both will compete in the European Championships this summer in Italy, as well as the 2024 British Championships.

James, 14, came in first place at the Junior Championships

James also qualified for the World Championships in Costa Rica.

Obstacle Course Racing includes swinging across pendulums, crawling under barbed wire and climbing up slanted walls.

James said: "I felt great when I completed my first competitive race and I'm really looking forward to competing abroad."

Thomas added he was "so pleased" to be "in the national team".

"I kept on training and pushing all the time before my race, and it was hard but I kept on going," he added.

The boys, who both attend Dame Allan's school in Newcastle, are hoping to have more races closer to home before they set set off abroad.

They are also working with the school's outdoor education and leadership team to set up an obstacle racing club at school.

Their mother, Susan, said she was so proud of her sons.

"They love the sport and have taken part in many races just for the challenge and so it was a fantastic confidence boost for them to have a go at competing and to achieve such great results," she added.