TAVISTOCK’S Sam Lake was on the podium as she won a bronze medal at the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Denmark last Thursday.

Sam, a member of Tavistock Swimming Club (TSC) and Tavistock Run Project (TRP), came third in the women’s 40 to 44 age group category on the island of Fyn.

The strength in that category was shown by the top three all finishing in the top four of all the women’s age group competitors. Sam had won a European silver medal in Slovenia last year for Great Britain, but she had to produce a new personal best to make the podium in Denmark on Thursday.

She finished in a time of 34 minutes and 44 seconds to finish just behind her Great Britain team-mates Tina Wilson and Katie Nimmo. Wilson took gold in 34.03 minutes, with Nimmo finishing in 34.18.

Sam was just outside of the top three after the 1km sea swim, where she clocked 14.07 minutes, but she produced a stunning 5km road run of 19.19 minutes, which was the fastest in her age category, and second fastest out of any age, to secure a podium place.

‘What an amazing experience,’ said Sam afterwards. ‘I raced my absolute heart out to get that medal.’

There was an added challenge during the race when thousands of jellyfish joined swimmers in the marina. Sam’s wetsuit provided some protection, but she still suffered stings to the face, hands and feet, yet managed to power through the pain to claim her medal.

Sam first joined Tavistock Swimming Club 20 years ago, when her mother, the late Margaret Gardner, was head coach. Continuing a family tradition, Sam’s swimming coach and husband James is now head coach of TSC. James has supported her throughout her dream to achieve sporting success to such a high level. Both Sam and James, who originally met at the club, were respected  and enthusiastic club captains in their younger days.

Sam trains regularly with TSC. She is a teacher at the local primary school, and also a wife and mum to two young children, who are also displaying very promising talent as young swimmers and runners.