A CHEPSTOW athlete has scooped gold in his first-ever competition representing Team GB at the European challenge half iron man.

Richard Munday, 35, went to Peguera Mallorca, in Spain, and battled in extremely hot conditions while completing a 1.9km sea swim, 90km cycle, and 21km run. He was the first in the 35-39 age category to finish.

He said: "It was extremely hot conditions and quite a hilly course. All my family and wife came along to support me and I had good support from British tourists especially when I cycled through Magaluf.

"I competed in the English Championships in June and qualified for Team GB from that race."

His mum Julie added: "Richard now lives in London and trains in between starring in the Phantom of the Opera in the West End. He has done a lot of his training in Wales, running and cycling up the Welsh mountains – and swimming training at Chepstow swim squad under the expert guidance of Chris Gale and Rob Gordon. Richard has trained at this club on and off since he was a little boy."