International athlete and Penryn College teacher Mark Lewarne was in action for Team GB at the European Aquathlon Championships in Slovakia last week.

Lewarne put in a strong performance in the Aquathlon to finish sixth in the Slovakian capital Bratislava, and only being 30 seconds from a podium silver medal.

He said: "It was a tough pace from the start, the swim was two laps which made it tricky to judge the pace as we were in and out of the water at the half way stage. The 5k run was a fast pace and it's frustrating to only be 30 seconds back from a podium spot, however I've improved on last year's performance and I will go into a summer of racing now fairly fit.

"I gave it my all, tried to chase down the group in front but ultimately the swim pace caught me out and made the race tough."

The overall winner was Olympian Richard Varga, who is renowned as the fastest swimmer on the triathlon circuit.

Lewarne added: "The last 12 months has been mentally tough for me, so to make the start line itself was a massive achievement and everyone connected with me are hopefully proud. I would like to thank my sponsors Maen Karne and Penryn College for all their support.

Team mate and training partner David Bartlett was also in action in Slovakia at the challenge world championship triathlon event in the same city.

Bartlett, who has been in great shape this year, won his age group with a strong bike section and will look ahead to a summer of racing in the US.