Kate French described her Modern Pentathlon World Cup debut as a "great experience" after exceeding expectations and progressing to Sunday’s final.

French was one of the youngest competitors in the GB squad and, after qualifying from one of the two semi-finals, she finished the final at Medway Park, Gillingham, in 28th position.

She said: "My main aim was to make it to the final, so I was pleased. The final itself was tough and I just wanted to improve on my semi-final performance.

"It was a good experience and my fencing improved.

"It was exciting and I enjoyed the whole atmosphere of the event. There was a lot of support."

After a disappointing showing in the fencing during the semi-finals, she then went on to beat Olympic champion Lena Schoneborn.

The next World Cup is in Budapest but French’s next challenge will be to qualify for next month’s youth championships.