Newark Academy pupil Lucy Beardsmore,14, qualifies for Team GB at the Biathle/Triathle European Championships in Turkey in November

Teenager Lucy Beardsmore has qualified for the Biathle/Triathle European Championships.

Beardsmore, 14, will represent Team GB in Turkey at the beginning of November.

The Newark Academy pupil was selected by Pentathlon GB after finishing seventh at a qualifying event in Cheltenham.

“It was a surprise because I thought I was only going to be a reserve but I’m really happy,” said Beardsmore.

“We had an email from the GB coach. My mum opened it and then she called me downstairs.

“It felt kind of surreal. I don’t think it has sunk in yet.

“I don’t really believe it, if that makes sense.”

As for the reaction at school, she added: “I think they’re really proud of me.

“I haven’t told a lot of people, I haven’t put it out there too much, but my school does know, and they’re supporting me.”

Beardsmore qualified for last year’s World Championships but didn’t travel, which makes qualification for the Euros even sweeter.

“It’s just amazing that she’s there,” said mum Becky.

“To have that experience and compete for the country, there aren’t many people around who can say they’ve done that.”

As well as her pentathlon commitments, Beardsmore also competes in triathlon.

The busy youngster is currently featuring in the British Super Series as one of the youngest girls in the under-17 age group.

She trains five times a week and competes most weekends in her chosen sports.

This weekend, she’s off to Scotland for the latest round of the British Super Series.

Beardsmore will start to wind down before heading to Antalya for the European Championships.

“She’ll train and compete throughout the summer and then pick up the training in September/October,” said Becky.

“She’ll then start tapering a couple of weeks before she goes out to Turkey, so it slows down a little bit before they do the major competition.”

Beardsmore may eventually have to decide what discipline to pursue.

Pentathlon has brought European recognition but triathlon could ultimately be the way forward.

Becky said: “It’s probably not the best thing to say, where she’s got into the pentathlon for the GB team, but I think triathlon will be the one she would like to move forward in.

“She’d like to compete at the top level. I say that but she’s already doing the British Super Series and, being 14, that’s quite amazing.

“I think triathlon is where she wants to end up and make a career out of it.”