REDRUTH-based international tri-athlete Mark Lewarne (pictured right) had a new personal best finish at the ITU World Triathlon and Aquathon Championships in Beijing last week.

The Redruth School teacher put in his best ever result at a World Championship event in finishing in seventh place for Great Britain in the aquathlon.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to have finally achieved a top eight position in a world final.

"I was aiming for a medal however, you have to set yourself the highest possible goals to achieve and I cannot complain about the result."

Lewarne was in action representing the GB Team at the World Aquathlon Championships in China in what were uncomfortable racing conditions in the Chinese capital.

He explained: "'Conditions were difficult as the humidity was around 80 per cent and temperature was more than 30 degrees. However, the race panned out very well."

Lewarne was in action again four days later in the World Triathlon Championships and managed to secure a top 40 position, having encountered mechanical difficulties on the bike leg with his chain slipping off forcing him to stop completely to fix the problem.

He said: I was unlucky in the triathlon, I was in a decent top 20 position out of 100 odd athletes when the chain slipped and I lost around two minutes. These things happen, and I need to just move on.

"I still managed to pick myself up and secure a top 40 position for my age group which I am happy about and a benchmark for next season.

"I will take some time off now, and then begin preparations for the European Championships in Israel in April and then onto the World Champs in New Zealand in October next year.

"It will be a busy time for triathlon next year with the Olympics taking place in August aswell.

"I would like to thank all the people who have got me to this stage including Follett Stock Solicitors, my coaches and training partners as well as my friends and family."