After many months of weekly training sessions in the gym, pool and outside courses, members of the TPS Triathlon Club headed to Bath on Sunday 19th May for the IAPS National Triathlon Championships.
Comprising 13 athletes, entered into all four age categories from Years 5 to 8, this is the largest Triathlon team ever assembled at TPS. After some dubious weather on Saturday, casting doubt on the viability of the event, the sun was beating down all day and the races were most definitely on! Some 235 competitors, alongside several hundred supporters, meant that the atmosphere was electric all day. There were clearly some pre-race nerves (mainly from the coach!), but our athletes were very well prepared and had worked so hard to be in the best possible physical and mental shape in order to compete at this level.
However, that individual effort paled into insignificance against the teamwork, camaraderie and support that each member of the team showed to the rest. Every time a TPS athlete sped past on their bike, or approached the nasty little hill at the end of each run lap, the whole team, including parents, erupted into cheers and applause. We were surely the loudest and most engaged team at the event! Even more special, was seeing the older and more experienced triathletes passing on advice and guidance to younger and less experienced teammates – a true reflection of the wider triathlon community and ethos.
Out on the course, every single TPS athlete gave it their all – with a few taking on their very first triathlon. Some were delighted just to finish their race and feel that sense of pride and achievement, whilst others were totally committed to pushing themselves to the absolute limit and aiming for the podium!
All 13 members of the team successfully finished their race, overcoming individual challenges along the way, in sweltering heat. Whilst we were generally strong in the swim section, some of the performances on the bike leg were extremely pleasing and boosted our athletes’ overall finishing positions significantly. It is fair to describe the run section as hot, uncomfortable and even pretty painful for everyone!
The whole school community should be extremely proud of our athletes who represented TPS with courage, determination and skill. Triathlon Club continues for the rest of term and will hopefully continue to grow next year – if you are interested in joining, please speak to Mr Wells.
Competitors and results:
Year 5 Cate P (11/36) Elle P (25/36)
Year 6 Rohan C (24/45) Joe H (42/45)
Year 7 Katie W (10/19) JJ W (1/29) IAPS Champion George K (4/29) Will S (6/29) James S (17/29) Maxi M (25/29)
Year 8 Xavia B (1/10) IAPS Champion Libby H (3/10) Bronze Medal Ben S (11/19)
Categories: News
