An inspirational sports teacher who won a gold medal in the European Aquathlon Championships in Slovakia beat everyone in her category by over three minutes.

Caroline Jones, PE teacher at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls, came first in the age 40 – 44 women’s group, completing a 1,000m lake swim and a 5km run in 35 minutes and 23 seconds.

She came fifth overall out of 65 female racers aged between 16 and 80.

Mrs Jones said: “All the girls who beat me were far younger and I was the highest finished ‘veteran’ (40+).

“I train eight times a week – four swims, three runs and one circuit session.

“I haven’t really got a favourite as I love both swimming and running.  Sport gives me a focus and I really enjoy pushing myself and seeing how fast I can go, even as I get older.”

The athlete has won a title in every age group since she began competing in multisport.

In 2003, she won the European Triathlon in the 25 – 29 category, in 2007 she won the World Triathlon in the 30 – 35 group, and in 2013 she took gold in the World Aquathlon’s 35 – 39 category.

Mrs Jones encourages her pupils to take part in sport for a variety of reasons.

She added: “Sport gives you an incredible release from everyday tasks, whether it be schoolwork, a job or family life.  It is so important for pupils to participate in sport, not only because of the health and fitness aspect, but because it is a completely different environment to everyday life.

“Whether they participate for excellence or pure enjoyment, it doesn’t matter – it’s all about enjoying what you do and gaining a positive mind set.”