Co Antrim athletes represent Northern Ireland in the 2025 British National Winter Triathlon Finals

15-year-old Holly Hamill

Two locally based competitors recently joined the Northern Ireland team of 12 young athletes who qualified by competing in numerous regional competitions throughout NI earlier in the year involving a timed indoor swim, a competitive 1500m run followed by a10m shoot in various age categories.

Holly Hamill, (15) a pupil of Ballyclare High School qualified for the senior/open U25 year old category and Cynthia Jane (CJ) O’Brien (10) a pupil in Larne & Inver Primary School qualified to represent NI in the ‘minims’ category, both are active members of East Antrim Club.

Holly Hamill, an active sportsperson who plays hockey for both her school and Mossley HC, has also represented her school in athletics, relay team, hurdles and as part of the schools show jumping team.

15-year-old Holly Hamill

This year she has trained even harder, adding new disciplines to her weekly routine of activities including pistol shooting with the fantastic Alan Mckillen and the East Antrim Rifle and Pistol Club. 

Recently Holly also had the opportunity to train with Kirsty Boardman, Scottish International Pistol Shooter which she really enjoyed.   

15-year-old Holly Hamill

Principal of Ballyclare High School, Dr Michelle Rainey commented:

"What a fabulous achievement! We are thrilled for Holly and so proud to see her qualify for the British National Finals. Her dedication and commitment throughout the season have paid off.

“We were cheering on this talented young lady as she competed and are sure she relished every moment of this incredible experience!"

Holly explained:

“It was amazing to have the opportunity to represent N. Ireland doing something I love, but it was also one of the hardest competitions I have done so far. 

“It shows the very high levels of the other competitors who were smashing their PB’s across the disciplines.

I was very proud to achieve my PB in the run, and was also really pleased for my friend Emma who was the fastest senior female competitor in the Nationals, achieving her PB running 1500m in 4m.48s. Also CJ from my club who scored an amazing 960 out of 1000 in the shoot. I would like to thank all of the volunteer coaches for everything they do all year”.

10-year-old Cynthia Jane (CJ) O’Brien

Larne & Inver Primary School puplil, CJ is heavily involved in all equine disciplines; her favourite being mounted games.  She has competed at the last ever Blair International Horse Trials and achieved a very respectable third place in Junior Games Team. 

Previously terrified of swimming, she has not only conquered her fears but now thanks to the help of Marty and fellow Tet athlete Ava Baghus she now competively enjoys swimming with Heather Bacghus, Jenny Fekkes, Katarzyna Rainer and Patricia Weir all playing a big part.  

10-year-old Cynthia Jane (CJ) O’Brien

CJ recently scored 1000, the top score available, which is ten consecutive bulls eyes, an amazing achievement for this young sportsperson. 

In the British National finals last week she shot a 960 while achieving a personal best in both swim and the run.

Well done girls!