TRIATHLETE Kiera Tippett admits that she has enjoyed ‘an unbelievable year’ after placing sixth in the World Triathlon Championships.

The former King John School pupil completed the event in Rotterdam, Netherlands, in two hours, 26 minutes and 34 seconds.

As a result of her impressive time, Tippett was able to finish high in the 18-19 Female AG category rankings.

And Tippett was delighted with her performance.

The 18-year-old said: “I was overwhelmed to finish sixth in the World Triathlon Championships.

“My start time was the same as the older age group so I couldn’t tell who was in my age group while I was competing.

“I thought I was going to come around 20th so it was great to finish where I did.

“It wasn’t the best course because, although the Netherlands are known for their bike lanes, they didn’t shut the roads.

“There were 2,000 bikes trying to go through the little bike lanes and I saw quite a lot of people fall off and there were cobbled roads as well, which made it difficult.

“The bike course was the most challenging part of the event.”

Finishing in the top six at the World Triathlon Championships has followed a number of outstanding performances which have allowed Tippett to hold the titles of British Champion and National Champion, while also placing third in Europe.

And the Benfleet Running Club and Chalkwell Redcaps member, who is suffering with a shoulder injury, is still finding it difficult to digest the success she has tasted this year.

Tippett added: “This year has been unbelievable.

“I was looking at what I have achieved a couple of days ago and I couldn’t believe it.

“To be the British Champion, National Champion, third quickest in Europe and sixth best in the world is a great achievement.”

The teenager followed up her success in Rotterdam by competing in the Southend 10k, alongside more than 12,000 other runners.

Tippett completed the event in 44 minutes and 22 seconds, to take 163rd place and become the first Benfleet member to cross the finish line.

And Tippett is looking forward to the World Triathlon Championships, in Australia, next year.

Tippett confirmed: “The Southend 10k proved to me that my body has given up for the year.

“I am really excited to compete in Australia, at the World Triathlon Championships, next year.

“I have just become a project manager in London and saving for Australia starts now.”