- Sport:
- Triathlon
- Home Town:
- Durham
- Current Address:
- Loughborough
Vanessa came to triathlon through an unusual route. She started at Loughborough University to study Fine Art and it wasn’t until the January of her first year that she thought she would give triathlon a go. Having swum as a teenager, that was initially what caught the eye of the coaches, but she adapted well to the varied training
In only her second year in the sport (2006), Vanessa made a big impression both nationally and internationally. Second at the Windsor Triathlon after running shoulder to shoulder with Helen Jenkins (nee Tucker); 4th at the U23 World Triathlon Championships on a demanding Lausanne course; 10th at the Beijing World Cup, test event for the Beijing Olympics.
Unfortunately, injury ruined both 2007 and 2008 but important lessons were learnt. Vanessa realised how important her art is to her, and crucially, how it balances against the physical demands of triathlon. Without one, the other suffers. When she’s finished with triathlon, she will concentrate on being a professional artist, but until then, it is an integral part of her down time from training.
Vanessa’s perseverance has been rewarded this year with podium performances in her last two races. Two second places at races in Poland and Czech Republic showed she returning to form.
Achievements:
2009 2nd - Kedzierzyn Kozle (Poland) ITU Premium Cup
2009 2nd - Karlovy Vary ITU European Cup
2006 10th - Beijing ITU World Cup
2006 4th - U23 World Championships
2006 2nd - Royal Windsor Triathlon
