http://www.blackcountrytriathletes.co.uk/swp/?a=8&athlete=ELI%20GIBNEY

THE thought of following up two hours a night in the swimming pool with a 10-mile bike ride is enough to make most children wince, but Eli Gibney is no ordinary 12-year-old.

For the Tewkesbury-based triathlete that is a normal night's training in his quest to become a star.

Gibney has just returned from the Inter Regional Triathlon Championships at Parc Bryn Bach in Wales, where he recorded an encouraging top 10 finish in a competitive field.

He completed the 200-metre swim, four-kilometre bike ride and 1800-metre run in just over 21 minutes to record 10th place in the 11-12 age group.

It was the first time Gibney had competed on the national stage, but he is already well- practiced having appeared and been successful in a number of regional events.