Olivia has got what it takes

NUMBER ONE . . . Olivia Green (centre) tops the podium

SADDLEWORTH'S Olivia Green has been confirmed as the UK's No.1 under-19 at modern pentathlete after victory in an international event in Solihull.

The 17-year-old enjoyed a comfortable victory over Portugal's Maria Teixeira Migueis, with Great Britain team-mate Zoe Davison in third.

Olivia's success clinched her place in the next international competition in Barcelona on April 29.

Modern pentathlon is made up of fencing, 200m swim time-trial, horse riding and then a combined event involving running and shooting.

She swims with Oldham Aquatics, fences at the Manchester Fencing Centre in Oldham and runs with Sale Harriers. She also rides at Hargate Hill Equestrian Centre in Glossop.

"A great part of my success in these recent competitions is down to the training, guidance and support these organisations have provided for me," said the Hulme Grammar pupil.

"Mark Lord, the Aquatics head coach, has spent extra time with me, not only on swimming, but also core strength and shooting.

"I have also been incredibly lucky for a first class national fencing centre to open in my home town. It attracts national standard fencers from all over the North and Midlands. All my coaches are very sympathetic to the fact that I have to also train for the other sports.

"Hulme Grammar have been incredibly supportive and without their understanding and flexibility in my time-table and I would struggle to accommodate all my training and competitions".

As for plans for this year, Olivia has her sights set on competing at the Europeans in Portugal and World Championships in the Czech Republic this summer.

She went on: "I came fifth in the world's last year in Ireland when competing a year down, so would like to improve on this.

"I know it won't be easy, though, as the standard of competition is incredibly high."