TWO Poole Swimming Club brothers have have been selected to represent Great Britain in the modern pentathlon disciplines of biathle and triathle.

Liam Openshaw and sibling Ryan, who are based in Canford Heath, are due to compete at the European Championships in Portugal in July.

Biathle is a continuous run-swim-run, usually in an open water environment, while triathle adds a laser shooting component.

The duo, who recently joined Poole Athletic Club to boost their training, were selected following their performances at the GB Series event at Millfield last month.

The 13-year-old Liam gained second place, earning him the right to compete in the biathle.

When combined with their performances at the British Modern Triathlon Championships in May, where 11-year-old Ryan won bronze and Liam was fourth, both boys were also selected to compete in the triathle.

Competing in biathle events for less than a year, the youngsters have made rapid progress and are enjoying every moment.

Liam said: “I am so excited to be representing GB in the biathle and triathle and hope to do myself and my swimming club proud."

Selected for Pentathlon GB's England Talent Programme, Liam attends monthly training days where he develops his skills in swimming, running, shooting and fencing.

Liam will eventually learn to ride a horse in order to compete in the full modern pentathlon.

Poole Swimming Club head coach Barry Alldrick said: “I am delighted the boys have been selected to represent Great Britain and that they will be fly the flag for the club at an international event."

The brothers recently competed in the first World Tour event in Austria with Liam winning the under-15 biathle as well as securing an impressive second in the triathle. Ryan was fourth in the under-13 triathle.

Liam and Ryan will later this year hope to earn spots in the Great Britain team for the world championships in Florida.