Individual and team gold for Britain at successful championships
Following a series of top 10 finishes this season, Charlie Follett has won her first ever individual international senior medal, becoming the 2022 European Champion in the process.
The Championships, held in Székesfehérvár, Hungary, proved to be a successful meet for the British team with silver for Jo Muir, a team gold for the British Women.
In addition, after an extensive period away due to injury, Myles Pillage returned to competition in fine form teaming up with Tokyo Olympic Champion, Kate French to claim the final gold of the championships in the Mixed-relay.
After proving herself to be a contender this season, Follet dominated the women’s final, combining a remarkable fencing ranking round with a perfect ride and a second-place swim time, to start the laser run with a significant buffer to her rivals.
After crossing the line nearly 30 seconds ahead of team-mate Muir, Follet said “It’s difficult to describe the emotional experience of crossing the line first in a major competition. It’s a combination of relief, pride, gratitude and empowerment, all wrapped up into a brief moment. It’s surreal”
“I’ve had a really positive and consistent season this year, placing top 10 all year and moving up to 8th on the World Ranking list is amazing, but I’m under no illusions as to where I am and where I need to be as we head into Olympic qualification season.”
“Pentathlon GB will host the next edition of the UIPM Pentathlon and Laser-run World Championships at the University of Bath in August next year. It will double as a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Follet set out her intent early in Hungary, after easing her way through qualification and semifinals in and amongst the top spots, the 25-year-old put on a fierce display in the fencing ranking round winning 26 victories to 10 defeats, placing herself in the top spot from the outset.
French too started the competition strongly in the fencing ranking round, with 21 victories to 14 defeats, entering finals day just behind Follett in third place.
Despite her stirrup snapping part way round, Follett produced one of just a handful of clear rounds in the ride. Muir too rode clear, whilst Tokyo Gold medallist, French, found herself being put to the test with a challenging ride, resulting in crucial point deductions.
All three British women swam solid times in the pool (Muir, 02:19.31; Follet, 02:20.72; French, 02:22.81) ensuring they were within the top 10 starters for the laser run.
With an incredible 24-second head start, Follett found herself with just herself to race against, and with consistent shooting and a well-executed race plan, maintained her lead to cross the line well ahead of her competitors.
Whilst Follett raced solo, Muir and French starting in 9th and 10th respectively, had a different kind of race. Both British women produced impressive times, but it was Muir’s fastest time of the day, 11:18,78, that saw her welcomed across the line by a beaming Follett to claim her first individual medal this season.
With three British women in the top 5, it is no surprise the trio claimed the Team gold for the event.
Fresh off the back of her fifthplace finish in the individual event, French teamed up with Pillage, who was keen to make the most of the opportunity following a lengthy time out of competition due to injury.
It seemed that a medal was never in doubt for the British duo, as they remained in and around the top spots throughout the day. A confident start in the fencing with 21 victories, was followed up with excellent rides from both, picking up just one time penalty after both riders went clear.
Their combined effort in the pool clocked them the second fastest time of the competition (01:58.33) just behind the French pair of Oteiza and Fleurot (01:58.31), who would line up behind them in the laser run.
With a 21-second advantage, the British team took to the track with confidence, and despite both their French rivals closing the gap, and the Italian team of Frezza and Cincelli storming through the field from 7th place to take silver, they maintained their position to bring home another medal for Great Britain.
Reflecting on his performance Pillage said “First of all, I’m just really pleased to be back competing after nearly a year away due to injuries. To come back and get a relay gold on my first competition is great – and a bit of a relief to be honest”