From First Triathlon to Yorkshire & Team GB Success

At Wakefield Junior Triathlon Club, we love seeing young athletes grow — not just faster and stronger, but more confident, resilient, and ambitious.

For parents considering junior triathlon for their child, or for current members wondering where this journey could lead, these stories show what is possible when young people are supported in a positive, structured, and encouraging club environment.

From Yorkshire representation to European medals — and even Team GB — the foundations are built right here at training on a Monday, Tuesday or Friday

Matt Holman – Consistency and Commitment – Yorkshire Triathlon Talent Squad.

Matt has been a member of the club since 2017 and has represented Yorkshire at the Inter-Regional Championships (IRCs).

He has stood on the podium for our internal series every year since he started — an incredible level of consistency. Each discipline has been his favourite at different stages of his triathlon journey, showing how well-rounded he has become.

In September 2025, Matt earned selection to the regional squad and now trains weekly at the Brownlee Centre, alongside additional weekend squad sessions.

He is proof that steady progress, strong friendships, and enjoying the process can lead to exciting opportunities.

Izzy Land – From 60th Place to European Silver

Transitioning to the Wakefield senior club was a natural next step. She embraced adult racing, won the female trophy in the summer series, and continued to push her limits.

Izzy joined Wakefield Junior Triathlon Club at around eight years old. At the time, she was new to swimming and cycling and often found herself towards the back of the field in races. Her first triathlon at Castle Howard in 2018 saw her finish 60th in the T1 category — but she kept turning up, kept listening, and kept learning.

Over the years, her swimming and cycling became real strengths. She developed a love for bike racing — time trials, criteriums, cyclocross, and triathlon — and after her GCSEs committed to structured, disciplined training.

Her standout achievement so far? Representing Great Britain at the European Age Group Sprint Championships in Istanbul, where she finished 2nd in the Under 20 category — standing proudly on a European podium.

For younger athletes who may not yet be winning races, Izzy’s journey is proof that development takes time — and patience truly pays off.

Lucas Brooke – From WJTC to Team GB Rowing

Lucas’s journey shows how junior triathlon can prepare athletes for success far beyond one sport.

During his time at Wakefield Junior Triathlon Club — including serving as club captain — Lucas developed leadership, discipline, and resilience. Those foundations carried him into rowing, where, ten years after first training with the club, he found himself competing in a Team GB kit.

He credits the club for shaping both his psychological strength and physical work ethic — qualities that translated directly into high-performance rowing.

Not every athlete will stay in triathlon — and that is absolutely fine. What matters most is the character and confidence they build along the way.

Ones to Watch 👀

Matt Holman

Having already stepped into regional squad training, Matt continues to develop at pace. His work ethic and commitment make him one of our athletes to watch over the coming seasons.

Edward Worsley

Edward represented Yorkshire for triathlon in 2025 and is now increasingly focusing on cycling — his true passion. He rides for Calder Clarion, a well-respected local cycling club, and regularly attends velodrome track sessions. Track cycling is very much his thing, and his ambition is clear to see.

With big goals and a strong competitive mindset, Edward is a name we expect to hear more of in the coming years.

Zosia Grzelinski

Zosia has had an incredible first season. Within her very first year of racing — and first year as a member of the club — she earned selection for the Yorkshire Triathlon Team.

That achievement reflects her determination, focus in training, and willingness to learn. A hugely exciting start to what promises to be a very bright future.

Sam Docherty

Sam has been a member of the club for several years and is one of those athletes every coach loves to work with. He gives 100% in every session, has a genuine passion for being his best, and always listens carefully to feedback.

Polite, hardworking, and constantly learning from those around him, Sam is a dream to coach — and another rising triathlete we’re proud to support.

What This Really Means

Behind every medal, squad selection, or Yorkshire vest is something much more important — confidence built week by week, friendships formed on cold evenings, and resilience learned through both tough sessions and tough races.

Not every young athlete will represent Yorkshire. Not every athlete will race internationally. And that has never been the point.

What matters most is that they learn to show up when it’s hard. That they support their teammates. That they discover what they’re capable of — often long before they realise it themselves.

Some will move into the senior club. Some will specialise in cycling or rowing. Some will simply carry the confidence and work ethic they’ve developed here into school, university, and life beyond sport.

As coaches and parents, watching that growth is the real success story.

And for the younger athletes reading this — your journey is only just beginning.