British Triathlon has launched its talent identification programme, trigold, for the third year. The programme is looking for high calibre athletes, who have already proven themselves at the top level and have the talent and determination to excel in the modern and dynamic sport of triathlon.
Now in its third year, trigold is looking for future champion triathletes. The programme has already seen Katie Ingram and Adam Bowden successfully make the transition from elite runners into triathlon’s World Class Development Squad.
Current trigold athletes include Matt Gunby and former elite steeplechaser, Mark Buckingham. Both have seen success in duathlon this season and are currently top five ranked athletes in the 2011 British Triathlon Super Series, the highest domestic triathlon competition in the UK.
Mark is keen to encourage more elite athletes to consider moving to triathlon, commenting: “Making a decision to switch sports is never easy and requires a lot of determination and support.
“After making the move from steeplechase, it has been a fantastic experience, with trigold on of the only programmes out there that support an athlete so new to the sport. As an athlete I know how valuable that support system is, and here in Loughborough with the world class coaching staff and facilities, alongside Barrie Wells’ support, everything is provided to ensure we have the best chance of success.”
trigold is entirely funded by successful entrepreneur and founder of the Wells Sports Foundation, Barrie Wells, and seeks both male and female runners aged between 18 and 30 years. Applicants need to have a history of competitive swimming at club or county level to make the grade, and have an appetite to develop their cycling for the highest level of competition.
“Watching the athletes make the move to triathlon, and being a part of the success they have achieved, has been fantastic for me,” said Wells. “The trigold programme represents an amazing opportunity for athletes, giving them access to the sort of support and training that will hopefully see them go onto be as successful as our current trigold stars.”
Director of Performance at British Triathlon, Heather Williams added:
“trigold is a integral to British Triathlon’s successful talent development programme. From spotting and developing young athletes in schools, to attracting successful adult athletes to apply for trigold, we are constantly looking to add depth and talent to the sport.
“trigold aims to attract high quality athletes and develop them into gold medallists. This process requires 100% commitment and focus, and hence we are searching for the highest calibre athletes who have already demonstrated elite performance traits and characteristics.
“Successful applicants will have the opportunity to train full time, with the support of a World Class Performance team in Loughborough and the full financial support of Barrie Wells. This is a rare and very special opportunity.”
Applications are welcomed from athletes who have set extremely high standards in running and have a background in swimming. If you have what it takes to become a triathlon champion, apply for trigold at www.trigold.org before 12 August 2011.
For an informal conversation about the scheme please contact Simon Mills at simonmills@britishtriathlon.org or via phone on 07860 695 187.
To download the 2011 trigold video from YouTube, please click here: http://youtu.be/ArpEAjQ_XXE
