Former Coopers pupil Tom Toolis is making his debut for the senior GB Modern Pentathlon squad

Hornchurch youngster edged out in World Cup event

Former Coopers’ Coborn pupil Tom Toolis endured a frustrating debut for the senior GB modern pentathlon squad in the United States this week.

Toolis, 20, finished 12th in his heat in the first World Cup event of the new season in Palm Springs, California, which would have secured a final place under the old system.

But only the top eight from three heats now qualify, along with the next 12 highest points scorers, and Toolis was just edged out.

Hornchurch’s Toolis won 13 of his fencing bouts and clocked 2.05.39 in the pool – the fifth fastest time in his group.

But a time of 12.24.76 in the combined run/shoot was not enough to book a final place, although team-mates Jamie Cooke, Sam Curry and Joe Evans all progressed.

GB performance director Jan Bartu said: “Tom Toolis narrowly missed qualification into the final by one position.

“There’s room for improvement in his performance but overall, it was a very positive day.”

The men’s final takes place today (Friday), with the women’s tomorrow and the mixed relay on Sunday.

The second World Cup event is in Rio next month (March 20-24).