This year IMG’s considerable database was scoured for four of the top age-groupers, with Caspar Prestidge, Florence Davey-Atlee, Kate Mahoney and Paul Jackson then chosen to represent the 2010 Academy.

 

With tailor-made training programmes from tri coach Bill Black, the Academics take part in two Academy-only training days and the Blenheim Triathlon, before they all take on the final challenge – the London Triathlon in August. For regular blogs of the athletes’ training, Bill Black’s coaching advice, interviews with Blenheim and London entrants, and course routes keep an eye on www.220triathlon.com.

 

But first, let’s meet the Academy Members…

 

When I moved to London four years ago I was offered a place in the marathon. I’d never been for a run before but I did well and joined a running club. After a succession of injuries, I gave it up but continued jogging. In 2008, I gave the London Triathlon a go. Not owning a bike or a wetsuit, and only having borrowed them a week before the race, I wasn’t in great shape. But I really enjoyed the experience and found the sport much more appealing than running, both in terms of varied training and competition atmosphere.

 

London Triathlon 2008, Olympic-distance:

Swim - 33:47, Cycle – 1:15:04, Run – 35:23. Total time – 2:31:21

 

Minimum number of hours training per week: 10 hours.

 

To progress my swimming significantly. I’d like to complete an Olympic triathlon in a sub 2:05 time and would like a top ten finish overall in the London Duathlon after finishing 11th last year. My Ironman aim is just to complete the distance.

 

A sub 2:10 time in the London Triathlon with a sub 60-minute bike leg. I need to learn how to use elastic bands effectively for my run to bike transition, hopefully in time to complete Challenge Barcelona.

 

County cricket player for Cambs U16-19, Oxford Brookes University Football, 2001-2005, and London Edwardians Hockey, 2006-2010.

 

 

I was a rower and all-round sports person at school and university, and was looking for a new challenge. I have a good base level of ability in all three disciplines and wanted a sport where I could train independently to fit around work and life commitments since moving to London, but still maintain a high level of fitness and the ability to compete.

 

King Sturge Triathlon, Sprint-distance 2009:

Swim: 12.58; Cycle: 38:12; Run: 20:56; Total time: 1:12:53

London Triathlon 2009, Olympic-distance:

Swim: 26:12; Cycle: 1:12:34; Run: 38:17; Total time: 2:23:22

 

Minimum number of hours training per week: 12-15 hours.

 

To get better at race techniques (i.e. transitions, tactics, etc).

 

I would like to race at the Barcelona triathlon in October 2010 and achieve a better time than that I posted in London last year.

 

I rowed for two years in the Oxford University women’s rowing team, as well as numerous other national level races including Henley Regatta, BUSA, Thames Head of the River (Pairs, Fours and Eights). I won a number of medals and titles during my rowing career 2003-2008 and was also invited to trial for the Great Britain rowing team.

 

 

I’d just retired from the National Netball League and was looking for a new challenge. Triathlon looked like it required grit and determination to succeed, yet also looked quite fun, so appealed to me.

 

Crystal Palace Sprint Triathlon:

Swim: 12:02; Bike: 44:35; Run: 23:30. Total: 1:20:07

Bedford 2009, Olympic-distance:

Swim: 25:05; Bike: 1:21:07; Run; 45:47. Total: 2:31:59

London Triathlon 2009, Olympic-distance:

Swim: 24:15; Bike: 1:15.37; Run: 41:32. Total: 2:21:24

 

Minimum number of hours training per week: 12 hours

 

I’d like to compete for GB at age-group championships over Olympic and middle distance. Next year I’d like to do an Ironman but it all seems daunting being fairly new to the sport, so perhaps that is a longer-term goal.

 

A sub-2:20 Olympic-distance race and a sub-5:20 Ironman 70.3.

 

I played in the National Netball League for Brunel Hurricanes.

 

 

I’d done a lot of running and cycling events and, although I was pretty petrified about the swim leg, I saw it as the next step forward. I also enjoy the technical nature of triathlon, the effect of change in disciplines on the body, and the logistics of the transition.

 

Eton Super Sprints:

Swim: 08:26; Bike: 40:43; Run: 20:21. Total time: 1:10:40

London Triathlon, Olympic-distance:

Swim: 29:05; Bike: 1:08:34; Run: 40:00; Total time: 2:25:50

 

Minimum hours of training per week: 15 hours.

 

My long-term goal is to complete an Ironman 70.3.

 

Complete my first Ironman 70.3 and get a sub-2:20 time in an Olympic-distance tri.

 

Came 37th in the OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) long score category 2009.

Completed the NY Marathon 2006 in 3:39:00.

Completed the Etape Du Legend in 2007.