ITU World Triathlon Grand Final Rotterdam will play host to thousands of triathletes, each with their own individual story. One story will be around four of these individuals, all from the same family.
The ITU World Triathlon Grand Final is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most triathletes. For the Rogers family from Somerset, it will be a once in FOUR lifetimes. On September 14-17, the Rogers family will be each be competing in the sprint distance age-group race for that coveted place on the podium in their respective age-groups. Martin Rogers will line up in the Men’s 50-54 category and hoped to pave the way to success for his three children, Charlotte, Tabby and Oscar.
Martin said: “I’m incredibly proud of all the children. Just the fact that they are still training and racing at an age where many fail to keep up because of other life distractions. It has become a good way of life to have”.
This will be Martin’s 7th time competing for the Great Britain Age-Group Team since he took up triathlon training over 20 years ago. He originally started as a road runner, but a previous employer decided to organise a triathlon and Martin thought he’s give it a go. He was soon bitten by the triathlon bug and has since competed in numerous duathlons and triathlons across Great Britain and beyond. Charlotte (W20-24), Tabby (W20-24)and Oscar (M16-19) have all grown up watching their father compete and decided that they too wanted to hone their skills in the sport.. Charlotte and Tabby have been competing since youngsters and continued their progress through to qualifying for the Great Britain Age-Group Team, with Oscar making his debut for the team in Rotterdam in just a few days’ time.
This may be a one-off for the family that we all compete together, so we’re certainly making the most of it. It’s going to be something we remember forever
However, despite being a talented quartet, each athlete undertakes their own training regime. Oscar uses his local swimming and running club to prepare for events, while Tabby and Charlotte both used their university triathlon clubs to train around their studies. Working in the leisure industry, Martin is able to fit in his sessions around work.
Martin added: “We do on occasion go out and train together when the four of us are all home. We sometimes go out for a long bike ride or a run together”
Last year the family competed together at the Triathlon England National Club Relay Championships in Nottingham, narrowly missing out on a top 5 position due to a punctured tyre. Hopefully the Rogers will have more luck in Rotterdam this coming weekend.
“This may be a one-off for the family that we all compete together, so we’re certainly making the most of it. It’s going to be something we remember forever. No matter what happens, I am incredibly proud of all my children and look forward to continuing our triathlon journey”.
Follow @brittri on Twitter for regular updates on how the Great Britain Age-Group and Elite Teams get on in Rotterdam across 14-17 September. Full event previews will be available via the British Triathlon website later this week.
For more information on the Great Britain Age-Group Team and how to qualify, visit here.
