CRICKLADE’S Harriet Hillman is on top of the world after claiming gold for Great Britain.

The nine-year-old qualified to be part of the GB Biathle team for their World Tour at the South West Biathle Championship back in April.

Hillman, a pupil at Prior Park, flew to Italy last weekend to take place in the event at Cascina, outside Pisa, which also doubles as the Italian National Championship.

Despite temperatures of more than 30 degrees centigrade Harriet made a strong start to the race, which included a 500m run, 50m swim and a further 500m run.

The Swindon Harrier runner, who was one of the youngest in her category, was in the lead as she entered the pool and maintained her advantage during the second stage of the event.

Her second transition was a smooth one and she continued to lead from the front as she achieved a new personal best, finishing seven seconds ahead of second place.

The Tigersharks swimmer will next be in action at the Biathle National Championships, which will be held in Salford Quay, Manchester, at the beginning of August.

Harriet, who also achieved the fastest time ever recorded for an Under 11 girl in Wiltshire in the 600m at the recent Wiltshire County Athletics Championships, in Tidworth, will be hoping to use the event to qualify for the world and European championships later this year.

“Since London 2012 her dream has been to become an Olympic gold medallist, so hopefully this is just the beginning for her,” said her mum Nicola.