The amazing Anna Pichrtova has just become a triple World Champion by adding to her titles at the Masters World Mountain Running Championships in her native Czech Republic.

Already the winner of the World Trophy, and by winning the Yorkshire Three Peaks, the World Long Distance Championship, Pichrtova turned 35 in May to make her eligible for veteran or masters competition.

She has been a frequent visitor to East Lancashire over the last five years and even had a brief spell competing in the famous Clayton-le-Moors Harriers’ vest while staying with her great friend Denise Park, the Clitheroe-based physiotherapist.

The Masters was staged at Dolni Morova, which is a ski resort in the winter and Pichrtova was a surprise entrant after her injury jinx had struck again.

She has already fought back from a near-fatal car accident, but shortly after her Three Peaks victory in May, she suffered a serious leg injury during the Ottawa Marathon which ultimately cost her a place in the Olympic marathon.

She also missed the European Mountain Running Championships before getting back to winning ways on the European Grand Prix circuit.

However, she then suffered a relapse which had left her place at the Masters in doubt.

Having made the starting line, Pichrtova was much too good for her opponents, negotiating the 11.3 kilometre uphill course in 55 minutes 20 seconds, a full four minutes clear of her nearest rival.

The Masters is always well supported by the English, but this time just one local athlete made the trip.

Colin Shuttleworth of Clayton Harriers, who celebrated his 50th birthday this year, was 35th of 105 in his new age group.