Seven records were shattered last weekend at the 11th Norwich Olympic Triathlon, with 500 competitors taking to the streets of Norfolk in what proved to be a highly successful event for GB athletes.
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With a number of professional triathletes present, it was no surprise that this year’s event was a fiercely competitive one. Iain Robertson and Kimberly Morris retained their crowns in the Olympic distance while Joe Skipper and Becky Schofield were first to cross the line in the two sprint distances.
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Over the two days, an estimated 220 participants were taking part in their first triathlon with a growing percentage of those being women.
Records fall in the Sprint Distance
Before the Sprint Distance on the Saturday evening, Joe Skipper was singled out as one of the sprinters to watch and he duly delivered – winning the event in record time.
Joe completed the 750m swim, 18km bike and 5km run in 0:55:58, just 01:48 ahead of second placed Sean Watson.
The former Notre Dame pupil didn’t have it all his own way. Sean, a GB athlete running for Leeds Triathlon Centre, was first out of the water and onto the bike. Unfortunately for Sean, who was returning to Norwich during the university holidays, he couldn’t keep up his pace and finished second.
Simon Brierley, representing Seychelle’s, completed the top three and pushed both Joe and Sean all the way. The top three all finished the course in under an hour.
The women’s sprint winner, Becky Schofield, also had to come from behind in order to win. Becky, representing the Tri-Anglia Club, had to close a one minute gap after Zoe Cresswell raced ahead following a strong swim.
Becky overtook Zoe to win the race with just a second gap between the two. Amy Pressland completed the top three. On her way to taking the women’s sprint distance crown, Becky broke the ladies’ sprint bike and run records.