BENFLEET’S Kiera Tippett claimed the best result of her young career at the British Triathlon Championships.

The King John School pupil surprised even herself by winning a silver medal in the 11-12 category.

“It’s definitely the best result of my career,” said the 12-year-old. “To come second against the best from the rest of Britain is just amazing.

“I went into the race hoping to finish in the top 10, or the top five at best, I was really not expecting to get second.”

The race was something of a venture into the unknown for Tippett.

The swimming section of the event took place in a lake, meaning it was the first time she had raced competitively in open water.

But she showed no fear of the discipline and even made a courageous last-minute decision which may well have been enough to secure her a medal.

“I decided not to do the swim in my swimsuit, but in my tri-suit instead,” said Tippett. “I was worried about the time it would take to get my wetsuit off in transition and thought it might get stuck on the timing chip I had on my leg. So I had a word with my coach and decided to go with the tri-suit.”

It was a decision that paid dividends as, despite finishing the 200m swim in sixth place, she made up 12 seconds in transition to start the 6km bike in second place.

“I was the only one not wearing a swimsuit,” said Tippett. “Everyone said I was very brave and my mum was worried I might freeze to death, but it was never a problem.

“It was 15 degrees, so it was a bit of a shock when I first got in, but after about two minutes of swimming, I forgot all about it.

“I think it was definitely the right decision.”

Tippett, who as a member of East Essex Tri Club was representing the eastern region at the championships, finished the bike section in a leading group of six before starting her strongest discipline, the 2km run.

“I was quite confident going into the run, but the girl who won was also strong and started going away from me.

“I tried to go with her but after a while I realised I needed to concentrate more on holding on to second place, as there were three girls coming up behind me.

“It was such a good feeling crossing the line. I had used up all the energy I had and felt dizzy, but it was worth it.

“The medal is huge and so big and makes it all worthwhile.”