EARLIER in the year Sam Lake was selected to represent Great Britain in the world Long distance Triathlon Championships. On August 7 the race itself was in Fredericia, Denmark. She was selected to represent the country as an ?age group? athlete in the 25-29 category. Sam, from Westmoor Park, Tavistock, has been competing in triathlons for just under two years. She had competed in the National Middle distance championships at Bala in North Wales in June where she gained an encouraging fifth pace at national level. This was her first big event. It consisted of a 2km lake swim followed by an 80km hilly bike route, then straight into a 20km run, all of which took just over five hours to complete. The World Championships were long distance, therefore competitors had to do: 3km sea swim, 120km (three lap) bike route and a 30km (four lap) run around the city of Fredericia, watched by some 10,000 spectators. Sam completed the swim in first place out of all the women in the race and was also close behind the leading pack of men. This was an encouraging start, which she managed to hold on to and although cycling is her weaker discipline out of the three, only lost a few places throughout her 120km bike route. On the run Sam managed to gain a little extra strength and although she found the laps tough after already completing the swim and bike sections she managed to grab back some more places and eventually crossed the line exhausted but in fourth place overall in her age group ? in the world! And in a time of 7 hours and 30 minutes, quite an achievement considering this is her first international event. A lot of people contributed towards this achievement for Sam, first and foremost husband James Lake, who went out to Denmark with her as her coach. She also trains with Kelly College Triathletes, coached by Richard Brady, an international elite triathlete himself and also with the guidance of Robin Brew, who has also been an international triathlete and swimmer in his time. Sam also swims at Tavistock Swimming Club where she has been coached by Paul Chinn. Sam has received great support from her colleagues at Devon Fire and Rescue Service where she works. Sam said: ?The experience has been amazing! And although the race itself hurt a lot, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am now thirsty for more, hoping next time to step up a place ad maybe bring home a medal!?
