So I said to my team, “If we just make that breakaway work and leave Stuart and his lot in the pack, then I know one of us has got a chance.” My team were great, really supportive. They gave it all for me and, as we headed into T2 30 seconds in front of Stuart, my hopes were high.
A rapid transition; I sneaked ahead of Emma and I was out and running well ahead of her. I knew I had them both.
It was hard, of course, but I just held Emma off for the first 3k and then with the finish line in sight I dug deep; a nice gap opened and the pressure eased a little. I’d done it. Those months of training had finally paid off.
Sweet, sweet victory. My first medal. But credit to these two guys here, they made me work for it.
And then I woke up.
Great afternoon with Olympian Stuart Hayes (right) and future Olympian Emma Pallant (left) organised by AJ Bell London Triathlon.
Fellow attendee in the middle of the picture, not me. This post is just a bit of fun. Looking forward to the biggest triathlon in the world…the AJ BELL LONDON TRIATHLON.
Last Updated on 14 January 2026 by the5krunner
tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors.
