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BBC's Louise Minchin qualifies for ITU World Triathlon Championships in Chicago

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BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin has qualified to represent Great Britain at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in Chicago this September (15-19).

Louise, 46, will now become part of the Great Britain Age-Group Triathlon Team after qualifying to take one of the slots available in her age group (45-49). She qualified at the Dambuster Triathlon based around Rutland Water, having previously already competed at the Deva Triathlon in Chester earlier this month.
 
She will now become an official member of the Great Britain Age-Group Triathlon Team and will compete in the standard distance event in Chicago on 19 September, which is a 1500m swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run.
 
BBC Breakfast will be following Louise’s progress closely and viewers can check out updates on the BBC Breakfast Facebook and Twitter pages.
 
Louise will race in a GB Tri suit on the same course as the Olympic champion, Alistair Brownlee and Paratriathlon world champions, Lauren Steadman and Alison Patrick. Both Alistair Brownlee and Louise will compete on the same day in Chicago, 19 September, with Alistair competing in the elite men’s race.
 
On the news that she’d made the grade, Louise Minchin said: “I am absolutely over the moon to have qualified to represent Great Britain in my age-group in The World Triathlon Championships. 
 
“I took up the sport two years ago and didn't imagine for a second then, that, one day I would be able to represent my country internationally. I couldn't have done it without the endless support of my family and friends and my loyal running partner, my dog Waffle.
 
“It has been hard work, great fun, lots of silly things have gone wrong along the way, and I always wish that I could go faster, but it has all been worth it. At my age, at 46, I feel immensely proud to be part of the team, and I am so excited to compete in Chicago in September.”
 
Nicky Dick, British Triathlon Age-Group Team Director said: “Louise will join around 400 other British Age-Group athletes in Chicago in September. It’s a huge achievement for anyone to qualify and be amongst the best amateur triathletes in the world. I am sure that she will be made to feel very welcome by the rest of the team, and we’d like to congratulate her on qualification.”
 
Louise will now continue her triathlon training and has been invited to Loughborough University to meet elite athletes and coaches to discuss her training plans. The BBC presenter will gain top tips from both elite and para athletes, as well as discussing her diet with a nutritionist.
 
As part of her training plans, Louise will next be competing in the closed road Tri Liverpool event on 26th July.

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