A TEENAGER from Northwich will step on to the international stage later this summer after qualifying for the Triathlon World Championships.

Lucy Scott’s reward for her performance at the Nottingham Triathlon is to race in Great Britain’s colours at Edmonton, Canada, at the end of August.

“I’m so happy to make it,” said the 17-year-old.

“I registered to try and qualify, but it was a packed field and I knew it was going to be hard. That made it a surprise when I found out I’d made the team.”

The Sir John Deane’s College student, who lives in Kingsmead, had to juggle training for the qualifier with revision for forthcoming exams.

She said: “I dread this time of year as the race was right in the middle of my exams.

“I try to do nine or 10 hours training every week if I can – this is my second year taking triathlon seriously, and the qualifier was my second full sprint distance race.”

Scott, representing Knutsford Tri Club, placed third in the junior women’s class after completing the swim section in 11:11, a 34:06 cycle ride and a 21:09 run.

She will compete in the under 20s age category at the International Triathlon Union Age-Group event.

Before that, she needs to recover from an injury.

“I’m on crutches at the moment after going over on my ankle,” added the Vale Royal Athletics Club member.

“It might be ligament damage, so I’ll have to see how it goes.

“At least the pressure is off as I know I’ve qualified for Canada.”

Her seat on the plane is dependent on raising enough money to pay for the trip.

Scott said: “It’s quite costly.

“I have to take mum or dad with me, so I’m looking for support from local companies.

“I would love to compete as a career. That’s a long way away at the moment, but it’s a goal I have.

“For now, I’m planning on going to university, so tri might stay as something I do on the side.”