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Three LGS pupils and their coach represented Great Britain at the European Laser Run Championships earlier this month, bringing home five medals between them.
The championships were held in Alanya, Turkey, from 5 to 9 November with the team competing in temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius. Facing some strong competing teams and tough racing conditions, Ewan (Year 12), Alastair (Year 9), and Eddie (Year 8), all performed admirably in their categories.
Ewan took home a gold medal in the mixed U19 relay following an excellent 6th finish in his individual race earlier in the day. Eddie also scooped gold in the boys’ U13 relay, which was his first international experience as well as his first year of competing in laser run, making this a phenomenal achievement.
Reflecting on his first experience of competing at this level, Eddie said: “It was a fantastic experience – something I will always remember as I got to meet a lot of new people and form new friendships.”
Alastair competed with resilience and determination across all three events which were perhaps some of the toughest of the competition. He has recently been invited to be part of the Pentathlon GB talent pathway, which identifies and supports athletes through a multi-tiered structure that includes regional development, national squads, and hubs of excellence.
Clare McKittrick, a core part of the Loughborough Grammar School’s coaching team, also competed in the event, having been selected for the master’s competition. Clare won the masters event, as well as a team gold, and a silver in the mixed relay.
As a former GB athlete, Clare brings her knowledge and experience to the regular laser run training sessions which she runs to help pupils develop within the modern pentathlon group of sports, focusing on skill, technique and race preparation.
Following the team’s success at the championships, Clare said: “The boys really helped and supported each other across the time we were in Turkey, through the training and race preparation before the race and then on the day of the race itself. Ewan, in particular took the lead on what good race preparation looks like and both Ewan and Alastair supported Eddie in additional training sessions that we held in the lead up to the competition.”
“We have a talented group of boys that train together and as part of the coaching team (along with Sarah Allsopp, Head of Learning Support, and Dr Al Waters, Assistant Head) I am really excited to watch how the boys develop in future. We are now looking forward to 2026, when both the World and European championships are due to be held in Madeira.”
Clare Mckittrick, Laser Run coach
The Pentathlon training sessions at Loughborough Grammar School not only provide boys the skills needed to succeed but offer a sense of camaraderie and belonging.
After seeing their son compete in the international arena Eddie’s parents were thrilled. They said: “As parents, we are absolutely delighted that Loughborough Grammar School gave Eddie the opportunity to try a completely new sport. The fact that he has gone on to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Turkey, and won a gold medal, has gone beyond all our expectations and we feel incredibly proud of his hard work, positive attitude, and determination. The whole team’s constant encouragement and positivity has really boosted Eddie’s confidence along the way.”
The team’s success will provide strong motivation as they look towards upcoming competitions in 2026, continuing to build on their excellent track records as representatives for Great Britain in Laser Run.
