Bursary is perfect fitness boost for McDonald as she focuses on 2016

The two-time youth national triathlon champion is in world class-company, with the likes of Jade Jones, who won gold at the Olympic Games in 2012 in London in taekwondo, one of the first recipients of an Academy of Sport bursary back in 2010.

McDonald, 18, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity last week, attending a workshop hosted by World Cup winner Lewis Moody which also included guests lectures from the likes of Sharon Davies and Maggie Alphonsi on nutrition and mentoring.

And it was to prove some consolation for the North Leamington School student after an injury-ravaged year.

She said: “I tore my hamstring, was back for two weeks and then got a stress fracture. So I’ve been out all season.

“Hopefully, with this bursary, it will help me get back to fitness by next year.”

Just 276 athletes have been awarded an Academy bursary since 2010, with 35 per cent progressing to professional or world-class funding level.

As well as financial assistance, a mentoring and education programme provides Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport athletes with the support they need to help them on their road to success

For more information, visit sportsaid.org.uk