JANETTE Cardy produced a quite astonishing achievement when winning a title at the first British Open Water Championships at Hyde Park on Sunday, writes Michael Knox.

The amazing competitor, from Witney, not only won the women’s 45-49 age group crown, but in so doing went faster than the equivalent men’s victor.

The 45-year-old covered the 3.3km course in 48 minutes, which was also quicker than that achieved in the women’s 35-39 and 40-44 categories.

It’s the latest in a triumphant career for Cardy after she suffered a stroke in 2010 – and she still has to take medication every day.

In 2014, she won a silver medal at the World Aquathlon Championships (for swimming and running), having taken gold at the European Championships.

Because of these feats, she was chosen as sportswoman of the year at the Oxfordshire Sports Awards.

Recently she has become a triathlete by taking up serious cycling and qualified for this month’s World Championships in Mexico.

“Unfortunately I did not have the funds to make the trip,” said Cardy.

What makes her achievements at Hyde Park even more remarkable was that two months ago she broke her elbow when falling off her bike.

“I couldn’t train for a couple of weeks and could still feel the injury on Sunday,” she revealed.

What’s the secret of her success?

“I train very hard and also have a job coaching swimming and running, which keeps me fit,” she said.