FA0 220:
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DETERMINED DAD
My dad, Keith, is 81, from Sutton Coldfield, and enjoyed a special summer. Firstly, he was selected as a baton bearer for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s relay, nominated by my sister, which he was proud to perform.
He also participated in the European Championships in Munich, taking part in the men’s triathlon representing Team GB. This is the third European championships where he has represented Team GB in age-group triathlon, highlighting his years of dedication to the sport.
“He proves that age is no barrier to achieving your goals. My dad is an inspiration”
We are very proud of our dad for the achievements he has accomplished and feel it has been topped off in this special Commonwealth year and his special duty to be a baton bearer. Given his age, it proves age is no barrier to achieving your goals and he is an inspiration to others. Ben Graham
220 replies: Ben, what an inspiration your father is. Clearly, he’s fuelled by determination and his incredible spirit. And now he can add the Battle Ready Fuel Bundle into the mix! Here’s to athletes like Keith plus triathlon’s timeless appeal.
Got an opinion to share? Then email us at fao220@220triathlon.com
THIS MONTH’S LETTERS
TRANS IN TRIATHLON
I’ve just read the article by Tim Heming (issue 407), pondering on the solution for event organisers having to include trans athletes.
I can’t understand why the BTAsanctioned ‘Open Category’ can’t just be added to the entry forms?
If trans men and trans women are lumped into one category and they think it’s unfair, perhaps they’ll understand why people who aren’t trans feel there’s an issue? Graeme Kay
Tim Heming responds: Thanks for your email, Graeme. For clarification, the directive from British Triathlon means that alongside the existing female category, the male category will soon be termed an ‘open’ category, allowing any triathlete to enter. This means a transgender male (female at birth) could compete in either category, and a transgender female (male at birth) is restricted to just the open category. My column (issue 407) questioned the practical application. It’s straightforward to change wording on the entry form, or course, but if a trans woman decides for ideological reasons to enter and line up in the women’s category, it may force the organiser into an invidious position. As I understand it, British Triathlon are working to provide guidance before the change comes into effect.
ULTRA DECA WARRIORS
Do a Deca? Yeah, why not. On 19 July 2022, myself and 10 others started The Deca Triathlon (10 x iron distance x 10 days). Over the 10 days we aimed to swim 24 miles, bike 1,120 miles and run 262 miles in the most brutal heat this country has seen. Of the 11 of us that started, only six finished. Each a legend in their own right, I want to give a shout-out to Al, James, Dan, Darcy and Dave. Assisted by our crews, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible, I’m eternally grateful to Jon, Sally and Suzy for giving up their time to deal with the tantrums of an exhausted athlete with a battered and bruised body!
A three-year project was finally accomplished, all to raise money for the local cancer ward. Sadly, my dad never saw me finish, but I’m sure he smiled as I touched the last lap sign and acknowledged him as I became one of only a handful of people crazy enough to start and finish a Deca. Ede Bone
220 replies: Ede, congratulations to you and all the starters at what’s arguably the hardest multisport challenge in the world. Just reaching the start line of a Deca is an achievement in itself, what with the training, commitment and hours of sacrifice.
The Deca will always remind us here at 220 of Arthur Puckrin. Arthur was a legend of the sport and completed countless Decas, each time writing to us about his exploits. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 80 but you can read more about Arthur in his autobiography, ‘Racing Through Life’, which is available on Amazon.
YOUR INSTAGRAM PICTURES WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
TAG YOUR PICTURES #220GRAM
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01 @allezsteve Out on my bike in the Trossachs
02 @twinbikerun Wild Santa swimming
03 @linzibbott Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy… with those that enjoy it too! #bournemouthbeach #triathlon
04 @gb_triathlon Great to get an early morning training ride in with some of @torbaytri
05 @davemurray_totaltriThe National Relays was a belter! A @totaltritraining takeover with 16 teams racing
06 @berkshiretrisquad What a fab BTS event, with 8 BTS in the top 10 of the open race, the first 3 seniors, the first 3 40+ men, the first 40+ lady, the first 6 50+ men, the first 60+ and the first 2 ladies
07 @camillafitness_pt It’s a win!!! Belvoir Castle Sprint Triathlon. 1st female 30-39. 2nd overall female. Photo: Mick Hall.
08 @soobielee Ironman Wales – probably the best event out there! Qualified for Ironman World Championships, 2023. Teamwork makes the dream work!
09 @trilifeofleigh Reflections on today’s race @ashburnhamplace – awesome