STROUD’S Zoe Davison finished 24th on her debut at the Under-19 World Championships pentathlon in Prague.

The Wycliffe College student got off to a flyer in the pool - posting a time of 2:14.51.

Her blistering start saw the 18-year-old compete in a four-way tie at the top of the discipline standings halfway through the fencing ranking round. The Gloucestershire athlete maintained her form throughout the second-half too, making some fantastic hits on her way to an impressive score of 23 victories with just 12 defeats.

She then secured two extra points to be level in second-place heading into the concluding laser run.

The final discipline was always going to be a tough affair at the end of a long day and with many quick runners in the field. It proved to be the case as Davison crossed the line 24th.

Reflecting on the day, Pentathlon GB’s Pathway Manager Stuart Mason commented “Zoe produced podium level performances in all disciplines except the run today, which is very encouraging. She put together her best swim, fence and shoot, but just didn’t have the run to cope with the new generation of runners that we are seeing this year.”