Teesside High School student selected to represent United Kingdom in International Tetrathlon Exchange

Thursday 05 March 2026 | By Samantha Hockney

A Year 11 student at Teesside High School has been selected to represent the United Kingdom at the prestigious Pony Club Tetrathlon International Exchange in Australia later this year.

Annabel, 16, from Yarm, is the youngest ever athlete to have been selected to represent her country in this event.

Tetrathlon is a challenging team and individual competition comprising swimming, running, horse riding and shooting. It is widely regarded as a foundation and development pathway for the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon.

Annabel will travel to Australia in June, following the completion of her GCSE examinations, as part of an 11-strong UK team. The squad will compete against teams from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and the United States.

Annabel said: “I have dreamed of representing my country in this event for many years, so to receive the call last week to say I had been selected was just incredible.

“The selection process has been extremely tough, involving applications, interviews and selection days. The assessment team considers everything – not simply your performance in the individual events but your proficiency with horses, riding qualifications and, more generally, how well you would represent this growing sport as an ambassador.

“Balancing the preparation alongside studying for my GCSEs and mock examinations was challenging but the hard work has paid off. I cannot wait to represent the UK and compete on the international stage in Australia this summer.”

Annabel is a member of Billingham Amateur Swimming Club, Richmond and Zetland Harriers Running Club and Bedale West of Yore Pony Club, training up to 17 hours each week.

Kirsty Mackenzie, Head at Teesside High School, said: “Annabel is a shining example of a truly well-rounded student who embraces every opportunity our school offers. She is an outstanding athletics captain, a valued member of the netball and hockey teams and represents the school, district and county in cross country competitions at a national level. As a Senior Prefect, she is a wonderful ambassador for our school at Open Days and other key events.

“Equally, Annabel is kind, thoughtful and generous with her time and support for both staff and fellow students. She thoroughly deserves this success. Everyone at Teesside High School wishes her the very best of luck in Australia.”

The Pony Club Tetrathlon International Exchange will take place from 30 June to 20 July 2026.