SHE is the 62-year-old Grateley woman who is preparing to represent her country once again in one of the world’s toughest sporting disciplines.

Three years ago Jan Taplin decided to improve her health and fitness by taking on a weekly jog at the Andover Park Run.

Now the mother-of-two, who previously only attended one weekly aerobic session, is preparing to represent Great Britain in the Age Category Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships in Mexico this September.

Mrs Taplin, who works for the estate agent Evans & Partridge in Stockbridge, will compete in the 60-64 age category, swimming 750m, cycling 20k and running 5kin temperatures of around 27C.

She will also compete for Great Britain in her age group at the European Championships which will take place in Lisbon at the end of May.

However the 62-year-old, who described herself as ‘fairly active’ before she took up triathlon, admits she never expected to get this far.

She told the Andover Advertiser: “Originally I just decided to have a go at something a bit different.

“I’ve always enjoyed sport but bringing up a family took priority for quite a few years.

“I could swim and ride a bike and although I didn’t particularly enjoy running I thought I would bring it all together and try triathlon.

“I started doing the Andover Park Run where I met members of the Andover Triathlon Club and joined up.

“I really enjoyed their weekly training sessions and found the club coaches very enthusiastic and motivating.

“I had absolutely no idea that I would ever have the honour of representing my country.”

Since taking up triathlon at the age of 59, Mrs Taplin has had a meteoric rise to the elite ranks of her age group.

Originally entering a local sprint distance triathlon in 2012, and several more in 2013, she was first selected to represent her country in 2014.

Aged 60, Mrs Taplin competed in the World Triathlon Championships in Edmonton, Canada, finishing second British female and 10th overall in the 60-64 category.

Following her success, she was selected once more for the 2015 World Championships, this time in Chicago, where she finished first British female and eighth overall out of 55.

Now aged 62 Mrs Taplin is ready for another year of competitions but is also hoping her story will encourage more people to take up exercise.

She said: “I never thought at my age I would achieve ‘GB’ status and represent my country – but if you are motivated and part of an excellent club, anything is possible.

“It’s difficult to be motivated on your own so having a friend or a club to help you is really important.

“I’ve met some lovely people and have competed in some great places and hope to continue to do so for many years as I have met triathletes in their 80’s.

“It is something anyone can do if they are motivated."