Strathallan School student Jacob Hedley said he is over the moon to be selected to represent Great Britain in the upcoming European U17 Pentathlon Championships, taking place in Ankara, Turkey this July.
The 15 year old from Melrose, said he was beyond thrilled after his hard work to bounce back from a serious injury in 2023.
He said, “After last year and the disappointment of not being selected due to my injury I knew I had to work hard over the winter. After the competition in Bath a few months ago, I knew I competed well and gave it my best shot. Once the email came through, I was over the moon. I’ve had a lot of obstacles and exams. I’m just glad my perseverance to overcome has shone through.”
Jacob overcame his setback in 2023 to win the Royal Windsor Horse Show Tetrathlon in June last year and has been focused on his training over the winter ever since.
Jacob said he fell into Pentathlon by accident with his brother Blake, having both started their passion for pentathlon on horseback before the equestrian element was removed from Modern Pentathlon in November 2021.
The brothers last competed together in the summer of 2022 at the World and European Laster-Run Championships before Blake left Strathallan for the University of Edinburgh.
“I’ve always been inspired by my brother, Blake and his support at home and when he was at school has pushed me to want to go further.”
Looking ahead to Ankara, Jacob added, “As an outcome, getting to the final would be great, I feel ready to give it everything.”
Jim Thompson, Director of Sport at Strathallan, said, “Huge congratulations to Jacob on his selection for Team GB at the U17 European Championships. We have no doubt he will represent Great Britain and Strathallan with distinction in Ankara. Good luck, Jacob.”
Categories: School News Strathallan School
