Biathlon comprises two sports coming together to make one event. Middle distance running and swimming. Through our PE Programme, we are able to identify students that reach the criteria needed to compete at local and national level. Race distance and criteria for both the running and the swimming elements increase as students get older. At Thomas Telford School we have had lots of success in Biathlon and its popularity is growing each academic year.
Students are offered the chance to compete in the West Midlands Divisional Qualifiers that take place annually in Much Wenlock and Solihull. From the qualifying events the top students in the country are then offered the chance to compete in the National Schools Biathlon Championships that take place in Bath each year. Students then compete on two levels at this event, both in the individual event and if there are 3 qualifying students in the same age bracket from a school they then automatically enter the team event.
Students have access to the Swimming Pool and can train with Swim Squad on a weekly basis in order to improve their swimming section. Running Club also gives students the chance to actively work on the distance running performance under the direction of recognised expert staff in distance running.
Any student identified as a potential Biathlete has the chance to advance their skills in both Swimming and Running via our Session 3 programme. Swim Squad is available on a weekly basis as is Running Club. During these Session 3 programmes students can work on specific areas of their sport in order to identify and improve certain aspects that will help their overall performance.
The school has recorded superb success over the years at The National Championships. We have achieved some great results in the individual events, where our students regularly record top 10 finishes and we have also won the Senior Boys Individual title. Thomas Telford School are also currently the Under 12 National Schools Biathlon Champions. The first time that we have won a national team title. A magnificent achievement.