Kate French cemented her status as one of the world’s form modern pentathletes in an Olympic year with World Cup silver in Sofia, Bulgaria.
The 30-year-old shattered all fencing records on season opener last month and produced a podium performance on the global stage in her very next race.
French overhauled a 21-second handicap on the laser run, moving from sixth place to the front of the race and finishing second behind France’s Marie Oteiza.
“I’m really pleased,” said the Gravesend-born athlete.
“It’s been quite a tough day – nothing has been easy – but I’m just really pleased with second place.”
French excelled on the piste once again, securing 22 victories and 13 defeats to leave the hall in second place having swum 02:18.65.
The world no.2 brought down two obstacles in the show jumping stage but a sub-ten second effort on the shooting range saw her claw it back.
A minor pause on the final shoot would prove decisive, but French still managed to hold off Poland’s Anna Maliszewska to reach the rostrum.
Pentathlon GB’s Performance Director Jan Bartu said: “It was another excellent performance from Kate.
“She showed consistency, focus and selfconfidence throughout the day. To secure another podium and know we still have some room for improvement, is a great place to be ahead of our journey towards Tokyo”
Jo Muir, who leads the UIPM Olympic rankings, finished an impressive fourth and strengthened Britain’s grip on a second quota place for Tokyo 220.
Francesca Summers crossed the line in ninth while Jessica Varley put in the best ride of the whole field and finished 11th.
It was the turn of the men on Saturday and bringing down five obstacles in the riding stage meant world No.1 Joe Choong settled for 15th place.
The top Brit was Tom Toolis, who came sixth.
Sportsbeat 2021 // Imagery: UIPM