The Minister for Sport is delighted to congratulate young Gibraltarian athletes Olivia and Sophie Roberts Patterson on their outstanding success at the Campeonato de Andalucía Duathlon Cadete U16, where they finished first and second overall respectively, achieving one of the most impressive youth sporting accomplishments in recent years.

At just 13 years of age, Olivia and Sophie competed against the best young duathletes from Andalucía, a region with a population of over nine million people. Across a demanding series of six races, held in Chiclana, Marbella, Huelva, Montilla, Granada and Sevilla, the sisters consistently outperformed the competition.

The duathlon is a challenging endurance event consisting of a 2km run, a 6km cycle and a final 1km run. Throughout the championship, both athletes displayed exceptional determination, consistency and talent.

Olivia won all of her races to be crowned Campeona de Andalucía, while Sophie secured the title of Subcampeona de Andalucía, finishing second overall and completing a remarkable Gibraltar one-two.

Their achievements extend beyond duathlon. The sisters recently competed in the English Fell Running Championships U16, one of the toughest mountain running competitions for young athletes in the United Kingdom. Olivia finished an impressive fourth place, with Sophie securing tenth place against a highly competitive field drawn from across England.

Their success is also a reflection of Gibraltar's sporting ecosystem. Both athletes have developed through local clubs, including Lourdians Athletics Club and the Gibraltar Junior Triathlon Association, benefiting from the support of dedicated coaches and the facilities available through the Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority.

Minister for Sport, the Hon. Leslie Bruzon, said: "Olivia and Sophie have achieved something truly extraordinary. To finish first and second in a championship of this calibre, competing against athletes from across Andalucía, is a testament not only to their immense talent but also to their dedication, discipline and love for sport.

They are wonderful ambassadors for Gibraltar and an inspiration to young athletes across our community. Their achievements demonstrate what can be accomplished when talent is matched with hard work, excellent coaching and strong family support. On behalf of the Government of Gibraltar, I congratulate Olivia and Sophie on this remarkable success and wish them every continued success in what I have no doubt will be very bright sporting careers."