Thomas Atkinson

Currently, I am working towards the Grand Final of the British Super Series in September. Going into next season, my main focus over the winter is to work on my swim as it is my weakest of all three disciplines. Additionally, I want to work on my run speed to try and improve my 5km time.

The funding from the foundation has been invaluable in my last year of triathlon. Following a nasty crash in May last year, the money from the LouLou Foundation allowed me to replace my bike and upgrade from what I previously had. I also used the funding to purchase a pair of power pedals which have helped me train with more accurate data on the bike this year. This led to my cycling performance increasing significantly, which was noticed by my peers and coaches and was gratifying after the hard work I had put in over the winter months.

I can’t pinpoint my favourite moment so far, but there are a couple of races that I have really enjoyed. The first memorable moment was competing in the Super League Series in 2019, racing in both Jersey and Malta. This format was very fun to race and it was my first race abroad. Another memorable moment was this year racing at the Island Games, where I won gold. Once again, the course was extremely challenging and I felt honoured to race and win for Jersey, especially with both the support of the LouLou Foundation and in support of Lily McGarry.

I enjoy many aspects of triathlon. Firstly, I love the outdoors and training outside. Additionally, I enjoy the satisfaction of pushing myself in training and racing, and challenging myself on a daily basis. Finally, I love that triathlon allows me to meet so many new people, and to train as part of a squad that pushes me to new limits as new people come and go. The friendships I have made are invaluable, and getting to train with some of the top triathletes in Britain during my time at university has been instrumental to the growth and success I have had in the last three years.

Outside of triathlon, I have been at university for the last three years studying law. Whilst at university, I also enjoyed competing in the university BUCS XC.