Swim, Cycle and Run for Victory: The Triathlon

Although the jubilation and excitement from the Olympics games has now reached an even keel, there are certain events that look to have really taken the nations imagination, pushed on and attracted a whole new audience. One of the most exhilarating events I watched over the course of the games was the Men's Triathlon, where the two Yorkshire boy's of Alistair and Jonny Brownlee romped home with Gold and Bronze medals respectively.

It wasn't just the Brownlee brothers that caught the eye though, one of my abiding memories of the event was watching athlete after athlete crossing the finish line, and to my amazement seeing a plethora of broad smiles. Smiling, after a mile swim, 27 mile bike ride and a 10,000m run, they were still smiling. Even the guys finishing at the back end in 25th plus place were grinning, just sums it up really. Yes competitiveness was there on show for all to see, but the overriding feeling was that of the sheer joy of taking part in an event they love. The Brownlee brothers were out on a training run around the Olympic park the day after finishing the grueling event, if that's not commitment to their sport, I don't know what is.

Following on from Team GB's success in the Olympic Triathlon, down the road at Luton Hoo this weekend just gone, Jensen Button was holding his own charity event, the Jensen Button Trust Triathlon. Over 300 competitors descended on the beautiful grounds in Bedfordshire for a 300m swim, 9km bike ride and 2.5km run. Veterans and newbies a like took part, proving you can take part at any age and at any level. The Men's title was won by Brian Keane, grinding the course out in an incredibly impressive time of 26 minutes and 37 seconds. A grand total of £20,000 was raised in all, going to Button's chosen charity, Help For Heroes. Clearly delighted with the success of the event, Button said, "It’s been fantastic to see everyone here competing and enjoying themselves. There’s been some really competitive racing and, most importantly, we’ve raised a good amount for charity and had fun doing it."

There's a whole host of Triathlon events taking place around the country, check out the UK Triathlon Events website for more info!