This week is National Volunteers week and would also have been the build up to the A J Bell World Triathlon Leeds, so this week we are recognising and saying thank you to our wonderful GO TRI Leeds Ambassadors.

Name: Fiona Hoare

Volunteer Role: Coach and Marshall

Favourite Discipline of Triathlon? Swim, Bike or Run?  Swim

Favourite Food?  Anything seafood and ice cream

Favourite Holiday Destination?  Lanzarote

How long have you been volunteering in Triathlon?  15 years in various roles

What does your volunteering role entail? Helping and guiding athletes on their journey through triathlon… whether coaching at a GO TRI training event or marshalling at a competition.

What is most rewarding from your volunteer role?  Working at the swim exit and seeing athletes who were very nervous complete their swim… or similarly working at the finish line welcome the athlete’s home.

What is your motivation to volunteer in Triathlon? I have enjoyed competing in triathlon for many years, love the sport and want to share my knowledge, experience, and passion to help others on their journey.

As a volunteer in triathlon, what have you been most pleased with/greatest success?  Most pleased with the way that triathlon via GO TRI has reached and encouraged so many to experience our wonderful sport who might not have had the opportunity otherwise.  Greatest success is probably helping people to overcome their fears and apprehensions…. Open water swimming being the main challenge for many. 

How could a volunteer make a difference to the sport of Triathlon?  Volunteers are the heart and soul of events, I think. They guide and encourage participants and each other… whether with a quick smile, guiding through transition and the general running of events… without volunteers we would not have events.