British triathlete Gordon Benson
has just competed in New Zealand at the ITU World Championships where is
finished fifth. He caught up with us on his return, looking back at his year on
the international triathlon circuit...
“It's that time of the year again, the
season’s over and it’s time to reflect on the past year.
I had a relatively poor start to the year, I
finished 5th in a European Cup and 14th at European Champs in Eilat. Whilst
this isn’t horrendous, being the competitive person I am I had just expected
better from myself.
Feeling a little disappointed with my results
at these events, I decided to go through some things with my physio and we put
my performance at these events down to a sudden growth spurt. Thanks to him and
the team, we worked on it and I was able to turn my season round.
I also missed racing in May and June due to
my exams, but we have to get our priorities straight and make some sacrifices,
right... After exams, I went on to
race here and there around Europe, and I was able to secure a win and a silver
in the European Cups and 29th against an elite senior field in Paris, only really
missing the Brownlee's.
Most recently last weekend, I was in New
Zealand to finish off at the World Champs. I went into it hoping for a medal
but said I'd be disappointed if I didn't get top five. In the end I came away
with 5th, so I can't complain too much but I'm never happy! Although
having a 10th and a 5th at World Championships, we're going in the right direction
for my last race as a junior at the home World Championship in London next
year.
In the swims this season I've just been
getting myself into a high position round the first buoy and, providing I'm on
good feet, I'm usually happy to sit on the leaders feet rather than on the
front, saving energy but holding a high position.
Marc Austin is very strong in the water, he
races in a Helix as well and we normally use each other in the swims, having
been out together in Portugal, Israel, Czech Republic on the swims.
This has obviously worked because I've featured
well in many swims this season, including second out of the water in the
European Champs and two European Cups, as well as third out at the World
Championships.”
Congratulations to Gordon for this
season, we’ll look forward to seeing you first out of the water soon!
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