YOUNGSTER Harriet Hillman returned to Wiltshire this week with yet another glittering achievement to add to her sporting CV, writes KEVIN FAHEY.

The 10-year-old Swindon Harrier, from Cricklade, has just won a silver medal in her age group at the Biathle World Championships in Sarasota, Florida.

At a meeting that attracted more than 500 athletes competing from over 40 countries, including Olympians from the 2016 Games in Rio, Hillman represented Team GB in the youngest age category in the competition.

Nerves were no problem for the rookie. This year she has already won the GB Biathle series for her age group and been crowned National Biathle champion, while in July she retained her European Championships title in Portugal.

Coupled with a marvellous temperament and competitive edge, she again performed with distinction on the biggest stage.

John Dill, who coaches her at the Harriers, said: “It is a great result and just reward for all the hard work and dedication that Harriet shows.

“She trains with a great little group at the club and they really enjoy what they are doing.”

In Florida, Hillman started the event positively and took the lead from a group of 30 athletes in the first 400m run. Upon entering the water for the 50m swim, which was in a 200-acre lake, she maintained her lead in until the last couple of metres.

The medals were decided on the final 400m run and Hillman dug in superbly to clinch the silver medal just behind the Egyptian winner, with an athlete from South Africa taking bronze.

With her teammates finishing fifth and sixth, Hillman also led Great Britain to gold in the team competition to complete a superb competition.

Hillman, who is a student at St Margaret’s Prep School, Calne, is a recipient of Wiltshire County Council’s funding future Olympians Scholarship Programme and GLL sports foundation talented athlete programme.

As well as being a member of Harriers, Hillman also competes for Tigersharks Swimming Club and also trains at the University of Bath under their talent development centre.