Adam has been selected to represent Great Britain at an international sports competition.
Adam, a University graduate and now its UK Postgraduate Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager, will proudly don a coveted GB vest at the 2024 Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Coimbra, Portugal, on Saturday, 15 June.
He will be competing for the GB age group team in the Sprint Duathlon event comprising a 5km run, 20km bike leg and a final 2.5km run, after clinching a qualification spot at Darley Moor Sprint Duathlon in Derbyshire.
Adam, who graduated from the University with degrees in Marketing and Sport and Exercise Sciences, said: “I love sport and I have always dreamt of representing my country, so when I found out I’d won the opportunity to compete for GB it felt amazing.
“Having committed myself to a dedicated training programme over the past year and racing several qualifying events across the UK last season, I am over the moon to have achieved qualification.
“I’ve trained harder than ever, juggling family and work time by setting the alarm for 5.30am on most mornings for early training sessions – either on the bike, turbo trainer or out running on the road or trails.
“While I’ve had a few injury niggles, the University’s Sports Therapy students have been brilliant at getting me back in shape following sessions at the sports massage and injury clinics.
“My target is to race as hard and as fast as I can in Portugal and then see where that places me. I’ll be racing against the best age group athletes in Europe and I want to savour this experience.”
Adam added: “There are many people who have inspired me to compete over the years, including my University colleagues Jordan Wintle (Associate Head of the School of Education and Science) and the late Karen Hilton who both represented the Great Britain age group team.
“I remember Karen saying to me at a triathlon event a few years ago ‘Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy’ – and that’s what I plan to do.”
Clare Marchant, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “We’re extremely proud of Adam for being selected to represent GB at the Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Portugal.
“It’s a fabulous achievement and hopefully his incredible commitment and dedication to getting up to train in the very early hours virtually every day will be rewarded with a hugely enjoyable and rewarding experience.
“As an aspiring triathlete myself, I can only imagine the dedication and commitment that has got him to this point. He’s an inspiration to colleagues and students, and we wish him all the very best on the 15 June.”
