FIVE pupils from Crowstone Preparatory School have got the triathlon bug after competing in the Independent Schools Championships.

Ten-year-olds Macey Woolcock, Kitty Norris, Malaika Khan, Abbie Clark and Lily Armstrong all competed in the competition at Brentwood’s Woodlands School.

And the head of PE at Crowstone, Glenn Pennyfather, said the five girls did themselves proud.

“They did fantastic,” he said. “It was a great opportunity for them. They watched the triathlon this summer at the Commonwealth Games and two years ago at the Olympics and got the opportunity to give it a go themselves.”

The pupils had to do a 90m swim, 600m bike ride and a 600m run.

“We actually don’t start the swimming and running lessons until next term,” said Pennyfather. “So the girls did some training on their own in preparation.

“They absolutely loved taking part and making those transitions from swimming to cycling and cycling to running.

“Hopefully they will want to carry it on and who knows, there may be a couple who go on to be like the Brownlee brothers!”