Aaron prepares to take on the world
Team Bath teenage triathlete Aaron Harris has been selected to represent Great Britain at his first World Championships.
The 19-year-old University of Bath Sports Performance student is one of three GB men contesting the junior men’s race at the World Championships in Hamburg later this month.
Aaron won selection for the event by finishing runner-up in the junior elite race at the Michelob Ultra London Triathlon earlier this month.
It was a particularly impressive achievement for Aaron, who came to the University of Bath to combine study and training after three months out of the sport with a stress fracture of his lower back.
As well as finishing just 15 seconds behind the winner at the London Triathlon, Aaron also finished eighth in the junior men’s race at the European Championships in Copenhagen in June.
He’s aiming to repeat that feat again in Hamburg, where the junior men’s race takes place on Friday 31st August.
“The Worlds will be the most important race I’ve done,” said Aaron. “I’m really happy to have made the team, but a bit surprised too.
“Finishing in the top-10 in the Europeans has given me something to aim for,” he said. “I’m going to the Worlds hoping for a top-10 place again.
“It will be a bit of an unknown because I’ll be racing against lots of athletes from around the world that I don’t usually race against.”
Aaron said Chris Volley, Team Bath’s triathlon coach, provided him with invaluable support through last winter as he tried to get back to full strength after his injury.
Chris is also full of praise for the dedication that Aaron has shown. He said: “Aaron has had a really solid 12 months since he’s been here. Here’s now back to his best and is moving forward.
“His diligence and hard work has paid off and he’s has done superbly well this year,” he added.
The World Championships junior race takes place on Friday 31st August and features a 750-metre swim followed by a 20km bike ride and a 5k run.
The GB team also includes Alistair Brownlee, winner of the junior men’s race at last year’s World Championships in Switzerland.
The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its Team Bath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.
Members of the media who require further information can contact the Team Bath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or see the Team Bath website.
