Diane Lee, 24, has been picked following excellent results in the recent UK and South Africa Ironman Triathlon competitions.

The race covers a gruelling 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112-mile cycle course, followed by a 26.2 mile full marathon distance run.

Her debut performance in the UK race saw her come second in her category and in doing so qualified for the Ironman World Championships to be held a month later in Hawaii, but due to funding issues Diane was unable to attend and so entered the South Africa Ironman with a view to again securing qualification in October 2009.

The event in Port Elizabeth saw Diane line up along with 1,600 other competitors, and emerge from the sea swim first amateur girl overall and with only three professional athletes ahead of her.

After a brisk run across the beach she then emerged out on the three lap, 112-mile bike course, where during the race the temperature reached 40 degrees inland.

Having secured a personal best time on the bike then came the gruelling finale of the marathon run. Diane held her own all through the race before being narrowly beaten into third place in her category.

As a result of her remarkable achievements Diane was selected to represent Great Britain in Prague, with a view to attending the World Championships later this year in Perth, Australia.

Her coach, Gary McCaffery said: "Diane has achieved remarkable results in the last 12 months in her career as a long distance triathlete.

"Although from a swimming background, she has entered a new chapter in her sporting life and is already competing amongst top world class athletes and really getting in the mix."

Diane holds down three jobs to assist with her training fees and equipment.

She lectures part-time at the University of Derby (Buxton) where she gained a first class degree in Sports Psychology and Sports Studies.

Together with this Diane is a professional swimming coach and sports conditioning coach, teaching and coaching numerous clubs and individuals in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales area.

Diane is the head coach at Buxton swimming club and also swims, coaches and trains at Matlock swimming club.

Diane has recently secured some sponsorship through a local based Matlock company, Zepnat Cycles, who have helped her with some cycling products and clothing to assist with her training.

Mr McCaffery added: "It's fantastic that a local company like Zepnat has got behind Diane and is giving support at a much needed time.

"Diane trains up to 20 hours per week which she finds hard combining with her jobs. Any support she could receive would be a massive help, even down to contributions from food outlets, as her nutritional intake is massive and paramount to her training and success."

Although representing Great Britain, Diane still has to find the funding for her travel and accommodation and is looking for other local companies to offer her some sponsorship in order for her to be able to compete successfully at such a prestigious level.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Diane can contact Gary McCaffery on 07939 020805.