Bowker has announced its support for British youth modern pentathlete Rebecca Batchelor.
Rebecca Batchelor, a Year 10 student at St Christopher’s High School in Accrington, competes in the Under 17 category for Pentathlon GB and is working towards selection for the Olympic development pathway.
Rebecca only started competing in modern pentathlon in January 2025 and achieved her first national selection for Pentathlon GB in June, less than six months later. Her recent international appearances include events in Turkey and the Madeira International Biathle and Triathle Meeting in May 2025.
More recently, Rebecca came 3rd in the Laser Run World Qualifier at Stanley Park in Blackpool on 30 May. This result meant Rebecca automatically qualified for the Biathle World Championships scheduled to take place in Funchal, Madeira in October.
Rebecca said: “It means a lot to have backing like this because it helps me focus on training and competing without worrying as much about the costs. I’m training most days across different clubs, so having that support behind me really makes a difference.”
Rebecca’s training programme is a team effort with support from several local sporting organisations across Lancashire. She trains with the NW Pentathlon Hub, the official Pentathlon GB Development Hub for the North West region, which supports athletes across multiple age groups.
Her fencing training takes place at Lancashire Sword Fencing Club with coach Dave Varey, while her swimming is undertaken within the performance group at Great Harwood Otter Swimming Club. She also trains in athletics with Hyndburn Athletics Club as part of her preparation for the running element of the sport.
She is also continuing her participation in domestic competitions such as the Great British Schools Biathlon Finals, where she has recorded top qualifying positions.
Bowker previously supported another Lancashire-born Modern Pentathlete, Samantha Murray. Samantha won the Olympic silver medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games and later competed at international championships.
Richard Cowell, representing Bowker, said: “We’ve seen before how the right support at the right time can make a real difference. If this helps Rebecca follow a path anything like Samantha’s, that would be great to see.”
