Hadleigh brother and sister Ben and Charmaine Wheeler produced regal displays when competing in one of the top triathlon events of the season at Windsor.

Competition in this gruelling sport saw some 1800 competitors taking part in a number of races, and huge crowds lining the streets for the final run section.

Right royal show - from Hadleigh brother and sister Ben and Charmaine Wheeler. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

The swim took place in the Thames, with cycling around the Berkshire countryside and Windsor Great Park before a run on the closed roads of Windsor Town Centre in the shadow of the Castle itself.

A tremendous day for the Southend-based Team Viper squad saw 19-year-old Ben Wheeler collect one of the top trophies and his 20-year-old sister earn a Great Britain spot in the World Amateur Championships in New Zealand.

Ben competed in the Sprint Distance race over 750m swim, 30km cycle and 5km run.

He put in a scintillating performance (1hr 26 min) to win the Junior prize and along with it the prestigious Smith Trophy donated by the three-times world champion Spencer Smith who hails from near Windsor.

The trophy, named in memory of Spencer's late father, is awarded to the best junior at the Windsor event and previous winners engraved on the cup include Richard Haines (now senior Welsh professional and Commonwealth Games triathlete) and Oliver Freeman (the country's most highly rated prospect for future Olympic glory).

Ben joined an elite list of names on the trophy, despite losing time on the bike due to taking a wrong turn at one point.

The Wheeler family's day was complete when Charmaine entered the Thames for the full distance event, a 1500m swim, followed by 40km cycle and 10km run.

The event was a qualifier for the Great Britain team to go to the amateur world championships in New Zealand in December.

Taking control on the swim, but losing a few places on the bike, Charmaine forced her way back on the run to secure second spot and qualify for the world event.

A delighted Charmaine said: "I qualified last year to go to Mexico, but as a student I couldn't afford the finances or time off to accept my place.

"This year I'm hoping to get some sponsorship assistance. I'm quite pleased with the performance for now, but there's a lot more to come yet."

Any businesses who feel they could back Charmaine with sponsorship for the world championship trip should contact Echosport's Dick Marshall on 01268 469403 and he will put them in touch with the family.

Published Friday, June 20, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo