Athletics Promising triathlete all set to tackle professional circuit
RISING triathlon star Hugh Brashaw has revealed he will take on the challenge of competing on the professional circuit next year.
The 25-year-old Bristol-based software engineer, who is a member of Bristol & West AC, won a place at the elite level after winning the British Triathlon’s Middle Distance Championships in Aberfeldy, Scotland.
“The British Championships were one of the gateway events and having won I can now compete at the elite, professional level,” said Brashaw, pictured. “So, I have decided I will give it a go next year. I’ll probably get my backside kicked and I don’t think I’ll set the world on fire but I might get into a top ten if I find the right race.
“It will be cool to compete at that level, which is incredibly tough.”
But the former University of Bristol student is a pretty tough athlete himself as he proved in Scotland when completing the 1900m swim, 90k bike ride and 21k run in just more than four hours to beat a top field of 600 amateurs. “Unfortunately, the run was 1k short so it makes my overall time look really good!” admitted Brashaw.
» Another Bristol & West athlete enjoying a good start to the autumn is Anne Dockery. A latecomer to the sport at the age of 55, Dockery, who lives in Southville, won the over-70s age category at the England Masters International 10k held in conjunction with the Kew event last weekend.
“I was really pleased with that and one of the joy of masters running is meeting other people, especially after such a long time, I love
it,” said Dockery, aged 73. She will be training over the winter with the goal of competing at the World Masters Track & Field Championships in Finland next summer.
Also at the Kew 10k, which was
held within the grounds of the Royal Botanical Gardens, clubmate Phil Parry won a silver medal in the over-55s age group and there was a bronze medal for Clare Jolliffe in the over-50s age group. He might not have won a medal but Jon Goodland was delighted to make his first appearance in an England vest.
» Tamara Jackson claimed a double victory in the fourth and final Avon League match at Yate on Sunday. The Bristol & West athlete won the under-17s 200m (26.30secs) and the shot (9.40m) to underline her versatility.
Ethan Canning was also in good form winning both the under-15s 200m (25.30secs) and the 300m (40.90secs), while Nicholas Pestell won the under-17s 400m (55.60secs).
In the throws there were also wins for Owen Garrett (javelin), Moni Brady (shot) and Alice Grosjean (discus), plus Mairi CarverBrown and Holly Sanigar in the 800m.
» Racing in the Chew Valley 10k, Dave Eagon claimed victory in 34:58, more than 30 seconds ahead of second place. Kate Hoffen was 1st over-50 veteran home in 49:28.