HASLEMERE girl Robin Simons has been crowned British schools’ modern biathlon champion after a stunning effort at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre.

Robin, 11, a Year 6 pupil at Guildford High School, accumulated the most points of the 147 finalists from across the country in the under-12 girls’ category, in a timed 50m swim and separate 800m run. Times are converted to points and ranked, with the highest overall score coming out on top.

Robin came fifth in each event with her combined score putting her in first place overall.

And along with two other schoolmates, she also picked up a bronze medal in the team competition.

To take part in the national final, schools enter their top athletes in regional qualifying events in the autumn. Robin won her category in the individual competition at the Basingstoke Biathlon in October and was also a member of the winning team.

Outside of school, Robin trains with county squad at Guildford City Swimming Club and with Virginia Mitchell at Young Athletes Club.

The modern biathlon is organised by Pentathlon GB to introduce athletes to multi-discipline sports.