SHE’S swum the Forth and the English Channel in recent years but now Andrea Gellan can add conquering triathlon to her sporting achievements.

And, for good measure, she followed that up by finishing fourth out of 50 runners in her age group at the Edinburgh half marathon on Sunday as she gears up towards taking on Ironman UK next month.

Andrea, of Dunfermline, competed in the Outlaw Half Triathlon in Nottingham on May 21 – in which competitors complete a 1.2-mile open water swim, a 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run – and raced to victory in the Female 60-64 age category.

She was the 77th of 277 competing ladies to finish in a time of 6:05.39 in what was her first triathlon event win since taking part in her first competition at Lochore Meadows in 2013.

Dedicated open water swimmer Andrea has competed in the annual Forth swim since 2000, swum the English Channel and from Orkney to the Scottish mainland but says triathlon has given her renewed enthusiasm for sport.

The inspirational 60-year-old said: “A few years ago, I decided to take up triathlon; initially I was thinking what’s next in swimming because I’ve swum the Forth, the Tay, the English Channel and so many lochs around Scotland. I was getting slower as I was getting older, which was a bit demoralising, “Five years ago, I couldn’t ride a bike so this has given me something new to work for and has helped revive my interest in sport and swimming particularly.

“When I turned 60, I decided to focus on training and I’m training for the British Ironman in July. I thought this would help with my preparation for that and, since August, I’ve worked really hard.”

Andrea finished just under 20 seconds clear of second-placed Alison Lamputt, who has previously represented GB in triathlon and whose strength lies on the bike.

She continued: “I took 30 minutes off my time on the bike (she finished the bike ride in 3:18.11) and I’m usually last on the cycle. Usually a cyclist wins it so I was really pleased to beat someone who’s used to riding in time trials. I’ve trained a lot with Dunfermline Cycling Club and Velo so it’s paid off.

“I thought I’d be lucky to be in the top three; I didn’t expect to win with the competition I had. It’s really incredible.”

After clocking an Edinburgh half marathon time of 1:52.46 at the weekend, next up for Andrea is the Ironman UK, which will take place in Bolton on July 16.

A 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run lie in wait, and Andrea added: “If I were to win, I would qualify for the World Championships in Hawaii. It’s a big ask so I’ll take one step at a time but it something to train for.

“Every time I see improvements makes it worthwhile. I feel reinvigorated and have a new lease of life, and I’m so chuffed.”