A YOUNG triathlon scholar from the Stirling area has earned a place on Scotland's national training squad.

Beaconhurst pupil Carrie Banks, 14, was picked by coaches to join the 2017-18 Triathlon Scotland Academy following a recent selection weekend.

The P6 pupil, who began competing six years ago when she joined Stirling Triathlon Club alongside father Alan, will be part of a squad of a dozen girls and nine boys who will be trained to test their skills and endurance at the highest level.

Earning a spot on the squad has been a long-time dream for Carrie, who said: “I’m so pleased to have made the squad – I’ve known about it ever since I started racing and wanted a place once I was old enough.

“It was a tough trial and I wasn’t sure if I would get through - it was 50-50 and I had to wait a week to find out which was nerve wracking.

“I was over the moon when I got the email telling me I had a place.

“It’s so good to be part of a team and the academy will give me opportunities to learn new techniques and skills.”