Hartpury students are celebrating a hat-trick of title successes at the Under-19 British Youth Modern Pentathlon Championships – including a double win for Josh Hood.

Ranked 58th in the world, Hood stormed to victory in the individual boys’ competition (riding, swimming, fencing, laser run) and teamed up with Monty Podger and Jack White to win the boys’ team event.

Jessica Sutton, Kara Hughes and Katie Assassa completed a superb championships for Hartpury at the University of Bath by powering to success in the girls’ event.

Russell North, Hartpury’s Modern Pentathlon Academy Manager, said: “We couldn’t be more pleased for the team – they’ve done themselves and Hartpury proud.

“They have all shown real commitment in training throughout the year and we’re delighted that it has paid off for them with a well-deserved success in a major competition.”

Hood, who recently finished 34th at the Under-19 European Championships in Poland, clinched first place by eight seconds after powering past a number of his Great Britain team-mates in the final laser run.

Podger finished fourth, two places ahead of White, while Sutton crossed the line in fifth, Assassa was seventh and Hughes 11th in the girls’ competition.

At the same championships, Hartpury students Libby Tolley and Ellie Gussey finished third and fifth respectively in a tetrathlon competition comprising a swim, fencing and a laser run.

Russell added: “It’s a fantastic finish to the season for the Modern Pentathlon Academy at Hartpury – roll on next year!”