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Chichester's great eight go for gold on the Gold Coast
Chichester will be very well-represented when the World Triathlon Championships get under way on Australia's Gold Coast next Wednesday.
The five-day event involves 6,000 competitors from 42 countries and 60,000 spectators.
There are a maximum of 20 places for UK athletes in each age range so Chichester have done superbly to get eight members through. Here's a rundown of the great eight.
Tom WilsonAge: 27
Occupation: Adventure education technician at the University of Chichester
He says: "This opportunity means everything to me – the opportunity to represent my country at a world championships. It does not get better than that.
"This is my first season in triathlon and I started training only last November when the club started. This will be the second time I have earned the right to represent my country at age group level."
Jason DavisAge: 25
Occupation: Senior fitness instructor at Westgate Leisure Centre
He says: "After taking up triathlon three years ago, my goal this year was to try to qualify for the Europeans and worlds – I have achieved both so it has all gone to plan, except maybe the sleepless nights waiting to hear if I'd made it.
"To qualify for the worlds means so much to me. It will be wonderful to represent my country and race against the top 20 athletes my age from all around the world.
"This year has been crazy for the Chichester Westgate Triathlon Club and we had a very strong team of elites for the European championships in July."
Dan BaileyAge: 17
Occupation: Sales assistant /graphics designer/student
He says: "Competing in the worlds means a lot to me as only a year ago, finishing a triathlon was a huge goal for me. This opportunity just would not have been possible if it were not for CWTC and all the coaches who have helped me get to where I am.
Steve HaslerAge: 44
Occupation: Production engineer
He says: "Competing in the worlds is a wonderful opportunity and I have always wanted to represent my country. The sport of triathlon has given me that chance to fulfil my personal ambitions and the prospect of racing on the Gold Coast of Australia is really exciting.
"The experience will be even more enjoyable as seven fellow members CWTC have also qualified."
Andrew SoppittAge: 45
Occupation: Doctor
He says: "It's a fantastic honour and a great reward for a lot of hard training. In particular, I'm very pleased to have qualified while taking part in my first Olympic distance triathlon. I would like to thank my fiance Philippa for her support and would like to thank the more experienced team-mates in CWTC and coach Ady Campbell for helpful advice."
Mary CampbellAge: 34
Occupation: Doctor
She says: "Competing in Australia will be amazing!
"With the hard year I've had, and with my husband being ill, it's an achievement we never thought possible.
"I am hugely indebted to my coach, husband and children for supporting and believing in me all the way."
Mike CooperAge: (a young) 43
Occupation: Heath & fitness co-ordinator, Westgate Leisure Centre
He says: "Competing in Australia means the realisation of an eight-year dream to compete in the standard distance triathlon for my country on a world stage.
"This is made even more special as we are competing in such an amazing county.
"I would like to thank Westgate Leisure for allowing me to have the time off."
James WoodwardAge: 34
Occupation: Sports therapist, fitness instructor at Westgate Leisure centre and soon-to-be firefighter
He says: "Managing to qualify for the worlds is the absolute pinnacle of everything I've been training towards for the past three years. I'm thrilled to have been selected to represent my country in Australia."
See the Observer on September 17 for an update.
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Weather for Chichester
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: West
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 20 C
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