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A triathlon is a sporting competition in which people compete in three events: running, cycling and
swimming.

I was only about 16 when my brother, Tom, started competing in triathlons. At the time I thought,
‘Cool. I’d love to be able to do that, but I’m not really sporty enough.’

Ten years later I was overweight, unfit and generally unhappy. I was tired of feeling low, so I
decided to make a change by eating healthily. I lost a lot of weight just by eating more fruit and
vegetables and less junk food. Then I reached a point where I hit a brick wall and couldn’t lose 5
any more.

Watching my brother compete in his most recent triathlon, I remembered just how great I
thought doing a triathlon would be. However, unlike when I was 16, instead of thinking, ‘I can’t,’
I thought, ‘I will!’

I began by walking every day, and gradually built up my stamina until I could run five kilometres 10
without stopping. I was really pleased with myself! Over time I added cycling and swimming to
my weekly exercise schedule. I completed my first triathlon last June. Tom was a great help to
me – giving me loads of advice and support and answering all my questions.

Since joining my local triathlon club, I’ve been training with another athlete called Clare. She’s
been competing in triathlons for years and actually won her last competition. Although she 15
claims it’s all been down to hard work and perseverance, I know she’s talented. Her support’s
inspired me to dream big and believe that if I keep on going, I too can be a winner. I now can’t
get enough of the sport of triathlon and am healthier than I’ve ever been or ever imagined I
could be!

© UCLES 2017 E/S8/01 [Turn over