Ryding is ready for a shot at the world's best
A teacher who transformed her life by losing four stone in four months has been selected to represent Britain in the World Triathlon Championships in Hungary.
Melanie Ryding, 39, who lost more than a quarter of her body weight through Weight Watchers just four years ago, will be swimming, running and cycling at the world championship finals as part of the Great Britain team.
It is the third time she has represented her country in the championships.
Ryding, who works at Rushden Community College and has previously taught in Corby, decided to finally lose the weight in June 2006, after she could no longer fit into her size 16 jeans.
She said: "I just wasn't prepared to be that size any more.
"I tried exercising before, but I felt too large, people kept staring and it was too much effort."
She joined with Wellingborough & District Athletics Club and Northants Triathlon Club.
But it was not until she started training with her personal coach Steve Casson that she decided to take it a step further.
She said: "I am so pleased to represent Great Britain at the World Championships.
"I have also qualified again to represent my country in next year's European Championships in Pontevedra, Spain.
"I am really proud I have continued to manage to gain qualification, especially since the competition is getting harder and harder.
"Some people who were on the team with me last year, didn't make it this year.
"I am also very grateful to my coach, for his continuing support and encouragement.
"I am now looking forward to working with my new run coach, Keith Molloy, from Wellingborough and District Athletics Club, to improve my running between now and next year."
She also thanked her headteacher Mark Lester for his support in allowing the time off to compete and members of Bannatyne's gym in Wellingborough, who paid to take part in a three-hour spinathon to raise money for her trip to Budapest.
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Monday 13 February 2012
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