GB pro James Teagle, 27, briefly became a global news sensation when he benefited from an incredible act of sportsmanship during a pro triathlon in the pandemic-hit summer of 2020. Yet while he might never top that incident for media coverage, the well-rounded Cambridge-based pro is hoping that his move to long-course racing will give him plenty more headlines over the coming years. Let's talk tri...
220: What first led you to triathlon?
James Teagle: My first race was a charity triathlon in Loughborough following tragic circumstances when one of our talented swimmers, Sophie Konderak, suffered a cardiac arrest in the pool and died aged 16. I took part to raise funds and awareness for heart screening.
By the age of 11 I was swimming 10 times a week. I’d been to nationals as a swimmer, but I’m 5ft 9in and don’t have a swimmer’s physique. My coach suggested I try triathlon and I joined the local club, Leicester Junior Triathlon. Everyone used to shout ‘Go Forrest Go’ because I used to run like Forrest Gump!
220: Since Sophie’s death, I understand you’re keen to raise awareness of the importance of young athletes to get checked for heart conditions?
JT: Yes, we don’t realise how many people it happens to. It’s not that common, but common enough to be talked about more than it is. It would be great if more young people were aware. And we should all get tested, but I can tell you from experience that it can also be quite hard; it’s not free but there are charities such as Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) that help [see box far right for more].
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How to Carb Load - Packing your working cells with carbohydrates in the build-up to your big race is a proven strategy to race stronger and faster...
Whichever distance triathlon you're racing, the intensity and duration of your activity will see your body tap into its stores of carbohydrates (in the form of glycogen) to power your effort. While it's possible to top up your tank on the go, it's better to start your event with your stores full to the brim.
The Olympic Champion - On 31 July, Great Britain's Alex Yee put together arguably the greatest one-day performance we have ever seen at an Olympic Games to win gold. And we were there at the finish line to speak to tri's new poster boy...
The opening line of the race report read how 20 years on from New Zealand’s first and only Olympic triathlon gold medal, Hayden Wilde had put in a careerbest performance to regain the title for his nation. Then Alex Yee comes around the corner.Yee’s charge, seemingly from nowhere on the final lap of the 10km run in Paris, didn’t just help him become the most decorated Olympic male triathlete of all time, and didn’t just cap a rivalry that has been building for six years, it left seasoned watchers of swim, bike, run in awe. It will go down as one of the greatest triathlon races; Yee, still just 26, as one of the greatest triathletes. His medals from Paris added to the two from Tokyo, leaving his haul at two gold, a silver and a bronze, and counting.
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