Olivia to take on the world

OLIVIA Green

ATHLETICS: DEDICATED Olivia Green has qualified for the World Biathlon finals after sealing a top-five place in the nationals.

The Hulme Grammar pupil (11), who trains six days a week, claimed fourth spot at Salford Quays and is off to Sofia, Bulgaria, this weekend with the Great Britain squad.

Saturday sees Royton and Oldham Harriers runner Olivia participate in a training day with her team-mates, before battling it out in two 500 metre runs and a 50m open water swim 24 hours later.

It is the latest landmark in a highly-promising career.

As with many youngsters in biathlon, the long-term goal is to reach a level which enables them to compete in the Olympic Pentahtlon, which adds fencing, shooting, biathlon and horseriding to the

discipline.

Olivia started out as a member of Oldham Seals Swimming Club. A member of the coaching team recommended biathlon, which also involves running — and she has never looked back.

She now swims in Stockport as part of a hectic schedule which sees her juggle school work with the push to excel in the event she loves.