The world of triathlon extends further then just the route from start to finish, here’s a quick round up of some of the stories from the swim, bike, run community that you might have missed.
Helen Jenkins retires from professional triathlon
Two-time world champion and three-time Olympian, Helen Jenkins, has announced that her time competing in triathlon as a pro has come to an end. Making her return from injury, Jenkins came fourth at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai in 2020 and has been working regularly as a commentator for World Triathlon during 2021.
Stepping back from professional racing, Jenkins is not stepping away from the sport, however, as she will now commit more time to taking part in her events bucket list and coaching and supporting more people to take part in the sport.
Alistair Brownlee elected to Athletes’ Commission at the EOC
The European Olympic Committee (EOC) Athletes’ Commission gives athlete input into decisions being made at the organisation, with the double Olympic gold medallist bringing a wealth of experience from across his years racing at the highest level.
Brownlee narrowly missed out on the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission earlier in the summer but will now take up this role at the EOC alongside a position on the British Olympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission.
Team Charles Barclay complete London Marathon
IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, Lucy Charles-Barclay, and her husband and fellow pro triathlete Reece were among the tens of thousands of participants to take on the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon.
The pair clocked similar times, with Lucy finishing in 02:47:53 and Reece in 02:43:06 around the iconic 26.2 mile race on 3 October.
Michael Salisbury races the Great North Run
The day after being crowned Para Super Series champion in the men’s PTS5 category, Salisbury headed up to the north east to complete the Great North Run.
Salisbury, who is set to make his international debut at the 2021 World Triathlon Para Cup Alhandra, completed the race in 01:15:22.
Sam Holness at IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships
Holness became the first known triathlete with autism to complete the event when he raced in St. George, Utah in September.
The event brought athletes from across the world to the USA, with Holness finishing the 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run in 05:44:39.
Holness’ focus now turns to training for his first full distance IRONMAN which he is targeting to race in 2022.
Fundraiser tops £100,000 for Nathan Ford
Ford suffered life-changing injuries at the British Middle Distance Championships in August, with the fundraising webpage set up by his family exceeding the £100,000 mark.
Multiple fundraising activities have taken place since the page was set up including a ‘Ride for Nathan’ on Zwift. So far there have been 2,800 donors according to gofundme.com which hosts the page.
82-year-old qualifies for 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships
Daphne Belt from West Sussex has qualified for next year’s IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in St. George, Utah having won her age group in a qualifying race this year.
Belt was the fastest in her category at the IRONMAN 70.3 Venice-Jesolo race in September as she secured her place on the start line in America next year. She is also a member of the Great Britain Age-Group Team, becoming standard distance world champion in the female 80-84 category in 2019.
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