Sixth Form Team GB Pentathlete: Daisy

Being part of Team GB is a formidable achievement and after sitting her GCSEs this year and spending the summer training hard, Sixth Former Daisy H has just returned from competing at the U17 World Championships in Portugal. We caught up with her to find out what being an athlete at this level entails and to hear about her future plans.

What is the modern pentathlon, and how did you get into this?

It was originally based on traditional military training and consists of five sports: Laser Run (shooting & running) Swimming, Fencing, and Obstacle Course. It used to be horse riding, but it has recently been changed to an obstacle course to make the event more inclusive for all competitors. I first got into it through horse riding when I was 11, as it was a great way to combine my love of riding with running which is another great passion of mine, so I have been in training for five years.

Which is your favourite event and why?

My favourite event changes all the time but I really love fencing because it’s all about mental strength and is a great way to steal points from opponents. I started fencing at Truro School. I began with sabre at age 10 and then switched to épée for my competition training. I spend a lot of my time in the fencing salle and Mrs Jupp has been particularly fantastic.

I really miss the horse-riding element of the competition, as it’s all about the partnership between rider and horse. The obstacle course has brought more physical elements to the competition.

Tell me about your journey to the U17 World Championships.

I recently competed in the U17 World Championships in Portugal. Last year, I was not selected for the team due to limited spots, which really motivated me to intensify my training. Throughout this past year, I have participated in monthly training camps and have dedicated over 12 hours per week to swimming, alongside numerous competitions.

In May, during my GCSE exams, I received the exciting news that I had been selected for both the European and World Championships, making me the only girl on a team of four competitors. After four days of intense competition, I qualified in 7th position and ultimately finished 16th overall. I competed against athletes from 18 countries, totalling around 70 competitors. I am so proud of my achievement.

Following my GCSEs, I committed my summer to rigorous training and participated in multiple qualifying events. The selection process involves several boards, including triathlon and tetrathlon sections, where my team manager evaluates my times and performances against all other competitors.

I see you are part of a larger team. Who are your teammates, and how did this develop?

I am part of Team GB, and while we all compete individually in events Team GB feels like a really big family. Everyone knows everyone, and it’s a wonderful and supportive gang.

My parents have been a huge source of support throughout, there is a lot of travel and expenses. They are my backbone; I couldn’t do it without them.

How has Truro School helped you achieve these goals?

I have received a huge amount of support from my academic teachers who are very proactive and supportive of my training regime. I had to miss a whole week of school when I went to Portugal, so I emailed everyone before I left, and they have been fantastic at helping me to keep up with my A-Level studies. I am also part of the Sport Scholars’ enrichment programme at school, which is a tremendous resource that helps me with my strength, conditioning, and nutrition.

What are your future ambitions?

I joined Truro School in 3rd Year and am currently studying A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, and PE. After my A-Levels, I am aiming for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics, where I am really hoping I will make the team at 18 and compete at the top of my age group.

Ultimately, I would like to become a medic in the army. I hope the military will help me to continue with my pentathlon training alongside my medical ambitions.

What would you say to anyone reading this who’d like to give the pentathlon a go?

Pentathlon is a big umbrella term that encompasses triathlons, biathlons, and something called biathol. It’s a lot of fun, and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. If you enjoy it, do it to the very best of your abilities. It’s very rewarding.

Mrs Jobling, Deputy Head (Co-Curriculum and Partnerships) said “On behalf of the school community, I extend my warmest congratulations to Daisy on her incredible sporting success as part of Team GB, and for her unwavering commitment to her academic studies. Competing at the U17 World Championships while balancing her GCSEs is a testament to her exceptional dedication, resilience, and time management. Daisy’s drive to excel in both her athletic and academic pursuits is truly inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of all she has achieved. We wish her continued success as she prepares for her A-Levels and future sporting competitions, knowing she will continue to shine.”

We all extend our heartfelt congratulations to Daisy for her remarkable determination and outstanding sporting achievements. We’d also like to thank her teachers who so often go over and above to ensure her academic schedule works alongside her training commitments. This truly is an international team effort.