Stirling University’s George Goodwin has won the Men’s BUCS Standard Distance Triathlon Championships.
The athlete picked up a well-deserved gold medal at the event in Southport on Sunday, where a record number of students competed.
Goodwin, along with fellow university athletes Luca Fanottoli, David Stephens and Craig Bathgate, was representing the university in the popular competition, and with support from Winning Students, Triathlon Scotland and Zoot Sports, success was certainly on the cards.
In an agonisingly close competition, Goodwin’s final championship time was 01:50:27, edging out Alastair Rogers on 01:50:41 and Jack Willis on 01:50:45.
A truly remarkable event witnessed the Stirling student achieve a swim time of 00:18:58, a bike time of 00:56:58 and a run time of 00:31:31, with these impressive statistics enough to earn Goodwin first place overall.
The triathlete fought off tough competition from fellow athletes across the UK to finish first, where the top five comprised two University of Leeds students in second and third, and two Leeds Beckett University students in fourth and fifth.
Additionally, Goodwin was Scotland’s sole representative in the top 15, while fellow University of Stirling athlete Luca Fanottoli finished in 16th.
It was his second such success in a short period of time, having also achieved a podium finish with a bronze medal at the BUCS Sprint Triathlon Championships at the end of April in an event labelled as Britain’s most competitive triathlon.
His preparation was of central importance, paying dividends in the race itself.
“The Standard Distance race became a big target after a bronze medal at the BUCS sprint triathlon three weeks previous, so I was gearing my training towards peaking for this weekend” said Goodwin.
“I was happy enough with my swim, limiting my deficit as much as possible and started to work my way through on the bike.
“Coming off the bike in second, I needed a strong run to reel in the leader, who I caught around 3km from the finish.”
After taking first place, it wasn’t until after Goodwin crossed the finish line that he realised his achievement:
“I wasn’t convinced I had won until a few minutes after, but I was obviously pleased with the result when it was confirmed!” laughed Goodwin.
He was quick in taking to social media to express his joy at another medal, while also congratulating his fellow athletes in the process:
Completed the set today @BUCSsport standard distance. 🥇today after a 🥈&🥉a few weeks ago. Tight racing with @AliRRRogers & @jackwilliis https://t.co/wNwhxm4NgV
— George Goodwin (@teamGoodwinTri) May 21, 2017
Sports President Jess Morris was delighted to add that:
“It’s an incredible achievement for George and for the University!
“Not only does it raise the profile of Triathlon as a sport within Stirling, it is a fantastic demonstration to the rest of the UK of the talent that we have here. Massive well done to him from everyone in the Sports Union, we’re very proud!”
The GB Elite U23 Triathlete certainly has a bright future, and will unquestionably be seeking to add more success in upcoming competitions this year.
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