OLLY FREEMAN, a multi-talented young athlete from Smarden, near Ashford, won the only medal for the Great Britain triathlon team at the European Championships in Carlsbad, Czech Republic.

Freeman, who is also the national cross country champion, faced a gruelling course in mountainous countryside.

The 750m swim in Rolava Lake, was followed by a punishing 20km bike ride round the cobbled streets of the town including several near-vertical ascents, and descents. And then there was an equally punishing 5km run.

Freeman finished in 1 hour, 2 minutes and 16 seconds, behind the German silver medallist in 1:02:00. Last year’s gold medallist from Belgium, took the honours again with a winning time of 1:01:51.

“I’m particularly pleased with the result as I still have two years left as a junior, whereas most of the other top 10 finishers move up to the seniors next year,” said Freeman, a student at Cranbrook School. “It was a very tough course, particularly one of the hills in the town that they call The Beast."