Local triathlete, Erin Jeffery, from Farrington Gurney, took part in her first appearance at the Leeds Triathlon British Championships on 9th June, winning the Olympic-distance event for her age-group, and finishing third woman overall.

A year ago, Erin had not even competed in a triathlon. The event, held at Roundhay Park in Leeds, consisted of a 1,500m swim, 36.2km cycle and 10km run.

Erin’s background of swimming at national level enabled her to complete the first element ahead of all bar one of the 713 male and female competitors. This gave her a strong lead which she held onto during the cycle and run.

This result was particularly impressive following a winter of minimal run training due to injury, and has now cemented her place at the 2020 ITU Age-Group World Championships to be held in Edmonton, Canada.

This was also only her fourth-ever Olympic distance triathlon, and readers may remember her victory at the Midsomer Triathlon last September.

Erin is coached by Trowbridge-based Richard Smith and trains at Vobster Quay during the summer months. Erin is now actively looking for sponsors who can benefit from the local and national exposure she can offer. You can follow her triathlon journey on Instagram: @erinrjeffery