A Watford Harriers triathlete has qualified for next year’s European Championships after winning her age group at the Grendon Sprint Triathlon in Northamptonshire last weekend.

Hannah Kitchen not only came first in the 20 to 24 years old category but was also the third fastest lady overall, finishing in 1.15.24.

The event, which consisted of a 750m lake swim, a 23k bike and a 5k run, served as a qualifying race for the 2014 ETU European Age Group Sprint Triathlon Championships which will be held in Kitzbuehel, Austria Kitchen's performance was a significant improvement on her last appearance in the event in 2010 when she finished sixth in her age group and 47th fastest lady.

The impressive display comes just a week after coming second in the Crosby Lakeside Aquathlon held in Liverpool.

Consisting of a 750m swim and a 5k run, Kitchen held the lead with less than a kilometre to go but was overtaken and had to settle for second with a time of 28.54.

Kitchen was first in her age group which gained her selection for the 2013 ITU World Age Group Aquathlon Championships to be held in Hyde Park in September.

The talented athlete is now looking forward to the Bristol Sprint Triathlon in the middle of June, and then the English Aquathlon and English Triathlon Championships which will both happen in August.