I originally come from a cycling background having raced bikes as a junior and then senior for 6-7 years. I had some success in road races, time trials and was even South West Junior roller racing champion a very long time ago. I competed in many regional and some national champs at both. Unfortunately a knee injury put an end to the mileage I was able to ride. During my recovery and having swam and run cross country and track for my school I thought I would give this 'new' Triathlon lark a go, it was the mid 1980's at this point and seeing these half naked people running round in fluro clothing clearly struck a chord. The sport was new, the races hard but the atmosphere and camaraderie was great. Much to my surprise I did OK and made the South West squad and raced the nationals a few times. A strong bike leg back then helped me gain many a top 10 finish in regional races. You'll be pleased to see from the photo the kit has progressed a little over the years and the sight of old ladies jaws hitting the ground as you ran past are nearly a thing of the past.

A move to London in the late 80's meant I joined Thames Turbo for a few years, training with another junior called 'Spencer Smith'. He went off to become World Junior and then Senior Champ and I went off to pursue a 20 year career in the Fashion Industry. That's life!!

Having travelled a lot of the world, eating and drinking plenty of it as I went, I found myself entering the East Leake Triathlon as a dare 2 1/2 years ago with a somewhat 'fuller figure'. Despite coming nearly last, I entered Southwell a few weeks later, again coming nearly last but my love affair with triathlon was rekindled and my life expectancy probably increased overnight. Since then I have raced Sprint, Olympic and Ironman UK 70.3 and am 'looking forward' to Ironman Austria in July 08. During the last year I also decided to put a little back into the sport which has been good to me 'twice' and have recently completed my Level 2 Coaching Qualification and am looking forward to progressing onto Level 3 later in 2008.

The one bit of nostalgia I carry around, other than the obvious vintage Oakley's and Speedo's, is the great atmosphere and genuinely welcoming bunch of like minded people that raced 2 decades ago, be it the winner on the day or the round of applause for the last man home. Having come back into the sport nearly 20 years later that hasn't changed, whatever your age and how many sports can honestly say that?

Happy training and remember it's ok to have a laugh along the way.