Young Reporter - Dexter
Triathlon my journey
I started triathlon training in the September before my 8th birthday - after seeing my dad do a local event. Then Covid hit and I did the virtual series held online.
I am now 12 and last summer I competed in 2 of the biggest events as a TS2 Junior Triathlete representing the West Midlands at the Inter Regional Championships at Roker Beach Sunderland. During this competition weekend I took part in 2 Aquathlons each one a 300m North Sea swim and a 1.5km run along the prom with only a couple of hours gap between the heats and the final. The next day was a Triathlon relay with my West Midlands Team members. I accomplished more than I thought possible at this event ranking 31st in Great Britain in TS2. I had huge amount of fun and learnt a lot.
I was also very lucky to gain a place in the TS2 category in London, racing the Triathlon Super Series swimming in West India Quay, London Docklands and running around Canary Wharf meeting Triathlon royalty who were also racing the same course as me.
This year the challenge is huge for me as I move up to TS3 where the distances double and I’m racing against giants! The distances I will now have to race are 300m swim + a 6km cycle + a 3000m run and I am pretty sure I am one of the youngest TS3’s in the country being born on 25th of December.
For me to be in the best condition for race season I have a full and fun packed winter training program involving a ton of Cross-Country running. This season I trained and ran in 3 different leagues and raced every major competition and final in my age group.
I swim for about 5 hours a week and when the weather is too bad to be out on my bike, I hit the gym with my dad and my personal training program that’s been provided for me from my trainer.
Over the Winter I also qualified for the Pentathlon GB British Schools Biathlon Finals and finished with a ranking of 19th in the GB.
In and amongst the triathlon season I also take part in track events for my local athletics club. I run in the middle-distance races and last year was my first at U13 and I gained a GB ranking for 800m.
I love being a Multi Sport Athlete as it means I can race all year round enjoying all the sports I love.
One day I would love to represent my country at a major competition I have my sights set on the Olympic Games LA 2028.
