Swindon businesswoman represents GB at European triathlon championships

A Swindon businesswoman swam, cycled and ran her way to glory representing her country at the Triathlon European Championships in the Netherlands.

Kerry Smith came 20th in her group, recording the fastest swim time over 1500m of 24:15, a 40km cycling time of 1:11:22 and a 10k running time of 55:57, giving her an overall triathlon time of 2:38:17.

Former showjumper Kerry took up triathlon three years ago, and has been training for the European championships at Weert since September. She represented Team GB in the Female 35-39 category.

Kerry was sponsored by commercial property agent Kilpatrick & Co, where she works as finance manager.

“The European championships was a fantastic event and I feel privileged to have represented Team GB for my age group,” she said.

“It was a great experience, I only got into the sport three years ago having previously only ever competed horses. It seems surreal to have run my first ever 10km last March and a year later be at a European championship.”

Daniel Pitt, Kilpatrick & Co’s office manager, said: “We are so incredibly proud of Kerry and all she has accomplished.

“She has been training rigorously since qualifying fitting in training sessions wherever possible whilst still working for us and doing all the other things she has to do.

“We are in full admiration for her, she works so incredibly hard with such enthusiasm and energy.

“Just to be accepted and be part of Team GB is an achievement in itself but to come 20th across all of Europe for age group is an amazing result.”