HELEN Russell won gold at the European Middle Distance Quadrathlon Championships on home soil.
Russell, from Evesham, came out on top competing against athletes from Hungary, Belgium, Spain and the United Kingdom.
The race took place in Brigg, Lincolnshire over the middle distance format and comprised of a 1,500m river swim, 7km kayak, 30km bike ride and 10km run.
Russell exited the River Ancholme in second place before she began to wheel away from the rest of the field over the course of the bike leg.
And she posted the quickest times in the kayak and run legs to finish as the first woman overall and in the 40 to 50-years-old age group.
Russell said: “I am over the moon to take this win so late in my Quadrathlon career and I am grateful for all the support I have received to help me train, prepare and achieve this result.”
She finished ahead of Gillian Melia who took silver and Liz Dawson who won bronze.
Russell is supported by the Rivers Evesham Gifted and Talented Scheme and is a British Canoeing She Paddles ambassador.
Fellow Fladbury Paddle Club member John McAdam finished seventh in his age category in what was his first international race.
Russell is a multisport athlete.
