WITHOUT realising, Harrison Yarnold has taken on a part-time job at the tender age of 13.

But the teenager’s 20-hours-a-week training schedule is a necessity if he is to realise his ultimate dream of one day competing in the Olympic Games.

Each week the Dorchester-based athlete brushes up on his swimming, running, shooting, fencing and horse riding skills as he aims for pentathlon glory.

And while the programme can be demanding, Yarnold would not have it any other way, especially after being selected for the Pentathlon GB Talent Pool.

Discussing his training commitments, the talented youngster said: “In general, I do 12 hours of swimming, three hours’ running, an hour’s shooting, two hours’ fencing and two hours’ riding per week.

“That’s 20 hours per week in total – as much as some part-time jobs. On top of that, I balance eight hours a day of school, three pieces of homework per night, and the much-needed rest to recover after a hard training session.”

But the hectic programme is certainly reaping its rewards with Yarnold already boasting an impressive CV.

He has twice been crowned National Biathle champion, bagged a silver medal at the World Biathle Championships and is set to compete in this year’s European Biathle Championships in September.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, the former Dorchester Middle School pupil added: “Last year I won every single Biathle in the Biathle Race Series and was British national champion.

“So far this year, there have been three races in the Biathle Race Series and I have won all of them – Taunton, Portland and Weymouth. I’m looking to win the rest as well – hopefully.

“As my relay team from Exeter City Swimming Club have qualified for this year’s National Championships at Sheffield, I cannot compete at this year’s British National Biathle Championships in Salford.

“I am though, hoping to be awarded a bye to enable me to go through to the Word Championships later on this year in Dubai.

“Last year, the World Championships were held in Bulgaria and I came fourth in my age group. I will, however, be taking part in this year’s European Biathle Championships in Italy in September.”

Asked how he first got into his chosen sports, Yarnold replied: “Swimming has always been, and still is, my life.

“I first started swimming at the local club (West Dorset Warriors) but I moved to Exeter City Swimming Club three years ago in order to get more pool time.

“It was during a training session at West Dorset that I learnt from a fellow swimmer about Dorset Pentathletes. I decided that I would go and try it out.

“At my primary school, I was a non-starter at running.

“I came last in the running race at sports day and friends from my first school still to this day laugh at how much my running has changed.

“The beautiful Dorset countryside was where my running kicked off – it’s just so wonderful – and my sporting career has escalated from there.

“The most memorable moment so far would have to be standing on the winners’ podium with a silver medal two years ago at the World Biathle Championships in Dubai. It was simply fantastic.

“Also, coming second in my first Tetrathlon (run, swim, shoot and fence) earlier this year, which happened to be the National Tetrathlon, was, again, a brilliant feeling.”

While one day hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of his sporting idols, such as swimmers Michael Phelps and Liam Tancock, and Junior World Pentathlon champion Jamie Cooke, Yarnold knows he will only get there with the help of two special people.

“My parents,” he said. “Both my mum and dad have provided me with the essential support, guidance and means of transport to enable me to keep the dream alive. Without them, I simply couldn’t do it.

“I have always had a dream of Olympic and world class success – something I have had a glimpse of with Biathle. I would love to take part in the 2016 or 2020 Olympic Games. I’ll just have to keep trying hard and improving.

“I have though, recently been selected to be in the Pentathlon GB Talent Pool. I am very proud of this and consider my selection to be a real achievement. It shows that with hard work and dedication comes recognition and success.

“Being part of the Talent Pool will provide me with access to extra pentathlon training at Millfield School, which is sure to improve my skills and performance, and I am really looking forward to the first training session.”