A FORMER triathlon champion who was diagnosed with a rare heart condition has spoken of his determination to remain positive by taking up music and photography.

Frank Arentz, 16, immersed his whole life in sport and was an outstanding rugby player until doctors told him to stop strenuous physical activity immediately.

A medical test revealed the Monmouth School pupil had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), an inherited disease which causes the muscle wall of the heart to thicken.

Frank’s heart condition was picked up when he and his family went for testing with a charity called CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

“My entire family passed with no problems but I came up as an anomaly,” he said.

“After having numerous tests I was told to stop playing my intense sport.

“It was a huge shock to me because I had expected a positive outcome.

“I was in the changing rooms when I told my team-mates I wouldn’t be playing and explained why.

“They expressed their concerns and were disappointed in losing a team-mate and as they went on to win the game, the realisation sank in.

“That day will never leave my memory.”

About 1 in 500 people in the UK have HCM and symptoms, if any, include shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, light headedness and fainting.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can lead to sudden death.

It was a life-changing moment for Frank who played tennis, squash and football at a competitive level.

However, the inspirational teenager is now learning to play the guitar and the piano and takes sports photographs to capture his friends and former team-mates in action.

He is also campaigning about the importance of people undergoing heart screening.

“I decided to try to find the positive outcomes of my diagnosis of HCM by capturing many unforgettable images,” he said.

“I have learnt a few pieces on the piano and I love learning how to play the guitar.

“I see this as a new side to me which may not have materialised if it wasn’t for the diagnosis.”

Frank is also involved in sports coaching so he can pass on his knowledge and enthusiasm to younger pupils at the school.