FORMER Newent Community School pupil Vicky Holland (pictured) is training hard in Switzerland after being picked to represent Great Britain in the triathlon at the 2012 Olympics.

She said: "The chance to be an Olympian is rare and special, but the opportunity to be part of a home Olympics is, truly, once in a lifetime and words can't really describe how satisfying, exciting or incredible it feels."

Vicky, 26, came to triathlon late. She was a swimmer, then a runner, before being persuaded to give the triathlon a go by British Triathlon coaches during her first week at Loughborough University.

The transformation has been remarkable and she has gone from an accomplished national swimmer and runner to a world class athlete.

Vicky, who grew up in Redmarley, started this season strongly and some good performances in the ITU World Triathlon Series secured her selection for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Now based in Swansea, she trains all over the world with Australian coach Darren Smith. Training is generally split between the Gold Coast in Australia and the Swiss Alps.

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