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Fell wins gold at Modern Pentathlon World Cup

March 31, 2024

Heather Fell won her first World Cup gold at Millfield, Somerset at the Modern Pentathlon World Cup. The 25 year old from Tavistiock, Devon sealed her victory with a strong cross-country run after shooting a personal best, swimming her best time of the year and completing one of only two clear rounds in the riding arena.

“I’m ecstatic,” said a delighted Fell. “I went into the competition hoping for a top-eight finish so to win it was great.

“I had a bit of a shocker in the run in the semi-final on Friday. I felt quite heavy and I only just made it into the final, which knocked my confidence a bit,” she added. “I was excited just to be in the top 36, so to win it today is brilliant.”

Jan Bartu, Pentathlon GB’s performance director, said: “Nobody could come close to Heather in the run today. It was a fantastic finish to the competition.

“She struggled a bit in the fencing, but she recovered in the second half and that was crucial for her confidence. Her swim was fantastic and she produced the best ride of the day.”

Fell previously won the 2003 World Junior Championships, but then suffered a series of injuries. She then achieved the Olympic qualifying standard for Beijing 2008 by winning silver at last year’s European Championships and won her only other World Cup medal - a bronze - in Moscow in May last year.

Britain’s Katy Livingston has also already achieved the Olympic qualifying standard by virtue of top-eight finishes at last year’s European Championships. A further qualifying opportunity is at the World Championships in Hungary at the end of May for the rest of the British women.

Britain’s Georgina Harland produced another strong run at Millfield today to finish climb from 15th after four disciplines to seventh overall.

Mhairi Spence finished 15th overall, with Lindsey Weedon 20th and Katy Livingston 33rd.

GB Women’s final positions:
Gold: Heather Fell (GBR) 5520 points
7th: Georgina Harland (GBR) 5344 points
15th: Mhairi Spence (GBR) 5208 points
20th : Lindsey Weedon (GBR) 5088 points
33rd: Katy Livingston (GBR) points

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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