British athletes Elinor Thorogood and Andrew Hood both produced top-15 finishes for Team GB at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games, currently taking place in Singapore.
On 15 August, Welsh athlete Elinor Thorogood became Britain’s first competitor to set foot on the field of play at the Youth Olympic Games, running down the beach at East Coast Park into the water. Thorogood achieved her ambition of a top-15 finish, crossing the line in 13th position after a particularly strong performance in the swimming and cycling legs of the race.
Afterwards Thorogood said: “I was really pleased with that. The atmosphere was really special with it being the first ever Youth Olympic Games event. The course was amazing with everyone in the crowd shouting your name and it was just a great experience. I’ll learn a lot from this.”
On 16 August, Scottish triathlete Andrew Hood achieved his target of a top-15 finish. After recovering from his exploits, Hood said: “Before the race I set myself the target of a top-15 finish. In the last 2km I had to dig really deep to maintain my top-15 position as I knew there were guys right behind me and I wanted to fulfill my aim. I gave it absolutely everything I had to cross the line in the top 15 and in doing so I pushed myself right to the limit. But if I’d not given everything and ended up in 16th I would’ve hated myself, so the pain at the end was totally worth it.”
Simon Mills, Triathlon Team Manager for Team GB commented: “Both Elinor and Andrew performed exceptionally well in the Youth Olympic Games, in what has been the highest profile race either athlete has competed. Andrew was heroic in his efforts to maintain his target of a top 15 finish, and the effort required to perform at such a level was clear. Singapore has been a great experience for both athletes, and I’m sure it’ll motivate them to continue to build and develop as young athletes.”
Both athletes have also been selected for ‘Team Europe 4’ for the relay competition, which takes place on Thursday. Their team includes Elinor and Andrew alongside Annie Thoren (SWE) and Thomas Jurgens (GER).
