Abbie Williams first earned a sporting reputation as a talented middle-distance runner under the guidance of Pete Freeman with Pembrokeshire Harriers but has since taken up triathlon with such success that she recently came fifth in the European Championships for her age category – and came away with the coveted gold medal as part of the UK team of four competing in the mixed relay against 27 other countries!
 
Her triumph was rightly described as ‘Brilliant’ by local triathletes following her visit to Lithuania, where she competed in semi-finals and final to do so well in the individual event and followed up with success in the team event where there were two girls and two boys after being the top UK qualifier from the individual competition.
 
The final comprised of an open-water swim over 250 metres, followed by a 6K bike ride and 1.5K run – and her delighted parents were able to watch the race live on television since they were unable to travel out to Lithuania!
 
Abbie swims with Pembroke Swimming Club, where she has been helped by Phill Thomas, amongst others; she still trains with the Harriers and cycles thanks to the support provided by Mark Rendell at Mike’s Bikes alongside help in providing kit by Zoot UK.
 
Her major support, however, now comes from Rhys Thomas as her mentor with the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club – who is of great help with organisational matters in the very busy months ahead.
 
Abbie will soon be off to Durham for the British semi-finals and final for her age group, where she will also compete in the team relay as part of the Welsh squad – as well as another competition at Mallory Park which will be on television and will also feature the Brownlea Brothers.
 
Then it’s off to another huge competition in Switzerland during August as she takes part in the European Cup – and then there’s the Commonwealth Games trials, which she hopes will have a beneficial outcome.
 
It all adds up to a very busy time for an ultra-committed and talented young lady, who is flying the Pembrokeshire Sporting Flag in some style!

PHOTOS:
Abbie preparing for her swim . . .
. . . and cycling in the rain . . .
. . . and setting off on her run
Abbie (second left) with her team mates and medals