Sheffield triathlete Liz bids for second world championship success

Liz is in the form of her life, having triumphed in the European Championships at the end of May.

A couple of weeks after picking up the gold medal in Lisbon, Liz backed up that impressive success by swimming, cycling and running to victory in the women’s Sprint triathlon in the World Triathlon in Leeds.

“It was great to win the Euros as I had never won that before,” said the 2010 world champion. “I really wanted to do well in that event and in Leeds so I was really happy with how it all went.”

Now the 38-year-old athlete, who is based at Fulwood, is stepping up her preparations ahead of the World Championships, which takes place in Mexico this September.

Liz said: “I have just started training back at Ponds Forge and doing some lane swimming. I’m trying to keep myself in the best possible shape and avoid any injuries.

“It is quite expensive to go to Mexico but I’m funding it myself. If I was to win the Worlds, it would be brilliant. It will be tough as there are a number of full time athletes from various countries, but you never know.”

It was seven years ago that Liz became hooked on the triathlon: “I did the London Triathlon to raise money for charity and I loved it,” she said. “I just get such a buzz out of it.

“I would say the swim is my strongest discipline having played water polo for Sheffield for many years.”

Her weakest discipline?

“I’m not a natural runner,” Liz admits. “There are some fast runners in my age group so when I get to the run it’s a case of holding on!”

Trying to juggle training and work commitments can be a challenge for Liz. She works from 8am to 6pm at the Hallamshire Hospital as a sonographer ultrasound specialist. Liz, who is sponsored by OTE Sports nutrition company, cycles every day to work and joins the Whirlow Wheelers, racing TNT and Sheffield Triathlon Club for sessions.

She conceded: “It is not easy trying to fit in training with my job. But at the end of the day, working 10 hour shifts pays the bills.

“I’m just grateful to everyone who has supported me over the years. I just want to thank them, Whirlow Wheelers, the volunteers at Sheffield Hallam Park run, the public lane swimmers at Ponds Forge for giving me space in the lanes to train, my colleagues at work for covering my leave, OTE Sports and my family and friends for their invaluable support.”

Liz is an outstanding athlete, a hard worker and you wouldn’t back against her soon adding another piece of silverware to her trophy cabinet.