A CRADLEY Heath couple have both been selected to represent Great Britain and the World Sprint Duathlon Championships.

David and Samantha Mole will travel to Avilés in Spain next month to compete against the best athletes across the globe.

Both will be involved in the same event on June 5 in the 40-45 age bracket.

David has competed at the World Championships before and recently secured a European bronze medal, but wife Samantha — who overcame breast cancer six years ago — will be competing for the first time.

The couple first met when part of Tipton Harriers Running Club before eventually taking up duathlon and triathlon.

After attending a qualifying event in Bedford in March, both managed to bag a spot in northern Spain with their performances.

David said: “I have been before but it is going to be really special for us to go and compete together.

“We don’t train together because we have to juggle training with our work and looking after our daughter, Lucy.

“Samantha has done really well and has really improved a lot this year. She has done remarkably well, especially after having breast cancer six years ago. She will hopefully take a lot from the experience.

“It is good that we are both involved in the sport as we both understand what we have to do to train and prepare properly.

“We’re really looking forward to going and competing together. We will have our family their to support us.”

Samantha added: “Getting selected and getting to compete alongside David means a lot, especially after having breast cancer.

“Six years ago everything looked a very different picture.

“To come back from an operation, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to get to this level really means a lot.

“Hopefully it shows others that keeping as healthy as you can and having that fighting spirit can really help.”