TAVISTOCK’S own Nicky Deane-Simmons has represented Great Britain in the World Triathlon Championships, this year held in Mooloolaba, Australia.

Nicky competes in full Iron Man events, representing Team GB in the half Iron Man middle distance at the championships.

The first discipline is a swim of 1,900m, the equivalent to swimming 38 lengths of Mount Kelly’s new Olympic legacy pool. The swim was followed by a 56 mile bike ride and a half marathon run.

The swim was a personal best for Nicky, who completed in 34 minutes battling against the sea waves. She achieved another personal best and was on the bike course in 3 hours 06 minutes, an amazing achievement with the heat, humidity and many steep hills.

The run was extremely tough as the day grew hotter, but still managed a great time of 2hrs 11mins.

The Tavistock triathlete’s main aim was to come in the top 40 in her 55-59 age group; a goal she surpassed by coming 32nd in the world out of 80 female competitors and was the first Brit to cross the finish line in a time of 6hrs and 06 minutes.

Nicky is soon returning to her job as a swim teacher at Mount Kelly College and will resume fitness training to give her the core strength to be very competitive. She will also rejoin Tavistock Triathlon Club and cycling with Tavistock Wheelers.