SCHOOL teacher Christine Shouksmith is seeking world domination.

Shouksmith is preparing to take on the very best after being selected to represent Great Britain in the 2003 World Triathlete Championships, to be staged in New Zealand in December.

In doing so, Shouksmith will be joining fellow York athlete Phil Dick who, as reported in the Evening Press, has also been selected to represent Britain at the championships.

Shouksmith, a member of the North Yorkshire Police Triathletes Club, only took up the gruelling sport, which involves a one-mile swim, a 27-mile bike ride and finally a 6.2-mile run, a year ago.

"I'd been a runner but thought it would be something different to do and a challenge," the Oaklands School teacher told the Evening Press.

Shouksmith, who will be competing in the 45-50 age group in Queenstown, New Zealand, earned her place among the elite after qualifying alongside Dick at a recent race in Rutland.

She finished that Olympic course in a time of two hours and 42 minutes, although a mix-up by the course officials ensured the women competitors endured a longer swim than anticipated.

Despite the problems, Shouksmith finished first qualifier in her age group to book her place in the team heading to New Zealand.

Fresh from banking a place among the best in the world, Shouksmith celebrated by setting a new personal best time of 2-28 in the Ripon Triathlon.

Beating her previous personal best by six minutes, her record-breaking time ensured she was the fastest woman home.

Like Dick, Shouksmith now needs to raise around £2,000 so that she will be able to represent Britain at the World Championships.

Any company or individual able to help with sponsorship can contact Shouksmith via Oaklands School tel 01904 782727.

Updated: 09:31 Thursday, July 17, 2003