I got involved in triathlon through my dad, who competed at two World Triathlon Championships whilst I was growing up. When I was younger I raced junior triathlons, alongside playing football and doing everything else an under 10 would do.
Football aside, I loved athletics and cross country. I liked to run. With my local running team, Western Athletics Club, I had the opportunity to race on the main land (pictured below) annually at Sale Harriers.
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| Western Athletics Club - Sale Harriers Trip |
After football took over, I maintained a small interest in triathlon but only competed in a couple of races. This involved minimal training and not much input resulting in me not finishing as well as I think I could/should have.
I maintained my interest with cross country throughout school and qualified to represent the Island at the Merseyside Schools Cross Country and then through that race I gained selection to represent Merseyside at the English Schools Cross Country Championships.
When I moved to University in September 2011, I decided that I would join the squad and see what I could do.  |
| English School Cross Country Championships - 2009 |
I needed an outlet from the work aspect of University that had a positive impact on me. Triathlon offered me this. It was a great way to add structure to my diabetes, allowing me to keep it in check. Having competed at county level in Football, Basketball and Cross Country, I had a hunger to compete at the highest level possible.
Due to injury I missed part of the 2012 season, having to change my goals to local races at the back end of the season and aim for the 2013 season as my first competitive year in the sport.
I am a student, currently on placement, based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne; working all of the time to balance my training, studying and working.
