MOST of us struggle to play one sport, but teenage sensation Poppy Le Maréchal is so multi-talented and motivated that she regularly competes at four or five, writes Euan Reedie.

In fact, the 18-year-old from Ivybridge has excelled at tetrathlon, which comprises shooting, swimming, running and cross-country riding, to such an extent that she recently represented her country in the sport with distinction.

And, not content with mastering four sports, Poppy has also enjoyed success at five (the extra one being fencing), coming fifth in the UK Modern Pentathlon Championships in Birmingham recently.

Such an achievement would more than delight most of us but, as is her wont as a top, perfectionist sportswoman, Poppy had harboured hopes of a podium finish. She said: 'I could have done better.'

Sports-mad Poppy said she had ridden horses – she is the proud owner of 15-year-old Murphy – from the tender age of three and also represented Devon at running in Years 9 and 10 at school. She joined the Dartmoor Hunt Pony Club 10 years ago and has been doing tetrathlon for the last six years. A former Stowford Primary pupil, Poppy was part of the modern pentathlon academy at Plymouth College, where she took A-Levels in biology, physics and financial studies.

She decided to try out for the British tetrathlon team this year via trials held at Millfield School in Somerset – and was thrilled to receive a letter informing her she'd been successful in her quest.

Of the moment she learned of her British call-up, she said: 'I thought: "Oh, dear, I'd better do some training now". It was a great privilege to be selected to represent my country.'

Ever the dedicated sportswoman, Poppy duly buckled down to a rigorous training regime of practising the four sports five or six days a week during the summer.

She then embarked upon an exciting three-week odyssey, competing for the UK at three top international events – the UK Regionals at Wittering Grange near Peterborough; the Irish Championships at Tattersalls, Dublin; and the UK Championships at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.

The events involved individual and team competitions, comprising eight girls and eight boys from all over the UK, competing against people from countries such as Canada, Australia, USA and Republic of Ireland.

Poppy, who is originally from Wiltshire, said her best performance individually was 12th at Hartpury College, while she was also part of the UK girls' teams that came first and third in Ireland.

She added: 'I had a great experience and have learnt a lot about competing at this level. I made lots of friends from all over the world and enjoyed international receptions each day.' While not ruling out a return to competing for her country in the future, Poppy's priority now is enjoying a gap year before university.

She hopes to study banking, business and management after a year skiing in France and travelling around Asia and Australia.

Poppy was keen to thank everyone who has supported her sporting ambitions, especially her parents Sally and Simon. She's also gratefully received sponsorship from: Ivybridge Town Council, Tone Leisure, Filham Park Vets, Cheston Farm Equestrian Centre, Dartmoor Hunt Pony Club, Lawsons of Ivybridge and Liz May Sports Therapy.