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Hollie Avil and Will Clarke

Hollie, from Northampton, took up triathlon, sometimes known as the splash, mash and dash, only two years ago, but her success has been remarkable.

Originally, she had targeted 2012 to be her first Olympic experience but her meteoric rise meant she beat others for a place on the plane to China.

"I always said if I qualified (for Beijing) it would be an extra bonus and I'm really excited to be going there now.

"I'm feeling in good shape and mentally I'm ready to go," she said

There she will be joined by Cambridgeshire's 23-year-old Will Clarke, almost a veteran at the sport after seven years.

Like Hollie this too will be his first Olympics - and he said he cannot wait for the Games to begin.

"I am going to the Olympics very happy and really looking forward to the race," he said.