TAVISTOCK'S world champion modern pentathlete began the defence of her title this week in the first of six World Cup competitions.
Kate Allenby took third place in San Antonio, Texas, in the event, which combines shooting, fencing, swimming, riding and running.
Kate achieved a personal best of 2.23 minutes for the 200m freestyle and won the shooting to put her in good stead against her two main rivals Anna Sulima from Poland who came first and second placed Fabiana Sares from Italy.
Calling from San Antonio, Kate said: 'I'm very pleased with my performance at the World Cup, and extremely proud to have beaten my personal best time in the 200m freestyle by 14 seconds.'
Kate goes on to Mexico next week for the second World Cup event, and returns to Europe for the remaining four events.
The top 32 pentathletes at the end will go on to the World Cup final, and the world champion will automatically secure a place at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
Kate's success has already assured her of a place in the European championships in June – the first Olympic qualifying competition.