HILPERTON teenager Caitlin Wosika managed to grab an unexpected gold in the team event at the World Biathlon Championships.

The 16-year-old, from Hilperton didn’t have high hopes going into the event before she flew to Florida and admits her age group triumph came as a surprise.

“It was amazing, really. It wasn’t what I expected at all because you don’t know who you are up against,” said the teenager, who also came fourth in the individual discipline in the event, two 1,600m runs split by a 200m swim.

“You don’t know what the teams are like, what you’re going to race like or what the venue will be like, so it was unexpected.

“It’s unbelievable, really. I’m not disappointed with fourth because I don’t think I could have gone any faster than I did so I couldn’t have done any better.

“I don’t regretting anything because I did the best I could. I think fourth is still quite good because I was near medal positions.”

After getting back from the championships, Wosika has now had time to reflect on the experience, but had to come home empty-handed as they ran out of medals.

“It was slightly disappointing (not to be given a medal) but it is still team gold. With or without a medal, you’ve still come first overall,” she added.

“I’ve learnt about racing in different conditions, it was very hot and we were swimming in a lake so that was all new.

“It was difficult for me because we were racing in 30 degree heat. It wasn’t really humid and there was just a bit of a wind so is obviously different to racing in England.

“I don’t really know when my next race is, I think at the moment I am just going to keep on training hard and see how I do when the next race comes.”