A rising athletics star from Sandbach is making her mark on the national stage after recording the highest UK Indoor Pentathlon total for an Under 16 international female athlete.

Competing in the Under 17 Women's Pentathlon, a year above her chronological age, Isla Boardman, 15, finished 7th from 32 national finalists at the England Athletics Indoor Combined Events championships in Sheffield.

Isla has enjoyed a breakthrough indoor season, producing a standout all-round performance to achieve a leading national mark in one of athletics' most demanding multi-event disciplines.

Competing across five events in a single day, she opened with a personal best in the 60m hurdles with a time of 9.35s. She then produced two lifetime bests in the High Jump (1.48m) and 3kg Shot Put (9.94m) before recording a 5.14m Long Jump. After four gruelling power events she finished strong with another life time best in the 800 meter race (2:41.06s).

(Photo: James Boardman)

Only six UK athletes born in 2011 and 2012 have passed the 3000 point mark this year, with Isla currently the only athlete going above 3100 points.

Speaking about her recent performances, Isla said she was really pleased with how the day went but is already focused on the outdoor season.

"I was really happy with my performance today, especially being one of the youngest athletes at the national champs," she said.

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"I am really grateful to all my coaches who have helped me put everything together. I know there's more to come outdoors and I am excited to start training for the outdoor season now."

Isla, who trains locally with Crewe and Nantwich Athletics Club whilst balancing her school commitments, has been steadily building momentum over the past two seasons.

Already a regular Cheshire County athlete, she will be looking to maintain her record of consecutive years of national selection at the prestigious English Schools national finals in July.

Local businesses interested in supporting Isla's journey are encouraged to get in touch as she continues to represent Sandbach with pride on the national stage.