BOURNEMOUTH triathlete Elisabeth Hood is concentrating on her Olympic-sized ambitions after putting tough times behind her.

The 19-year-old experienced a frustrating season in the wake of sustaining a niggling Achilles injury.

Having subsequently juggled the demands of what training she could do with her A-levels, the former Talbot Heath School pupil admitted she had experienced a rollercoaster ride.

“Last season was the hardest I’ve had to deal with,” said Hood, who is one of 50 young athletes funded by the SSE Next Generation scheme.

“I had to sit down and figure out what I wanted to focus on, my A-levels or sport. It was a really hard decision to make.

“I had a really good start to the season but then I was injured and it never really went away. It was more serious than I initially thought but I really wanted to do my sport.

“There were a lot of ups and downs.”

Hood enjoyed a strong end to the campaign and competed for Great Britain in the Elite Mixed Relay Cup in Nottingham.

The talented triathlete is targeting a successful transition to under-23 level as she steps up to the recognised Olympic distance – a 1,500m swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

And the teenager is relishing the challenge which awaits.

“Last year I completed my first Olympic distance and I really enjoyed it,” added Hood.

“Everything has doubled but you have longer to think. The tactics are completely different from sprint triathlons.

“I’m just excited to get really fit and be able to have confidence in my ability. I enjoyed the Olympic distance, although whether I’ll enjoy it all year I don’t know.

“If I’m happy, fit and doing what I need to do, then I’ll get the results I want.”

Since 2013, SSE is proud to make a difference to young people, their families and communities by investing in the future of sporting talent through the SSE Next Generation scheme. Keep up to date @YourSSE.