From “giving Triathlon club a go,” to representing Great Britain: Tri Bramley Baths Coach Takes on the European Championships.

By Jennie Willetts

Bramley Baths has been home to TriBB since head coach Tony Moran founded the club in 2016, creating an inclusive environment where people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels can become part of the club. As the club approaches its 10th anniversary, that same supportive and encouraging atmosphere is still evident in every swimming session at the Baths today. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner taking your very first steps into triathlon, everyone is welcomed as a participant.

One such participant was Gareth Shepherd, who first arrived on poolside around nine years ago with no experience of triathlon, simply looking to give his first TriBB session a try.

Over the past few years, I've crossed paths with Gareth on countless occasions—sometimes chatting about all things TriBB, other times simply in passing around the Baths. But, like so many members of our community, I'm always greeted with a warm and friendly, "Hi Jennie!"

Gareth really is a representation of what is possible;

"The chance to come along to a TriBB swim training session came at just the right time, and before long the temptation to give triathlon a go was too much to resist. Since taking my first steps in a GoTri event at Bramley Baths – much like the SwimBikeRun events we run today – I've completed two full Ironman-distance events, three Half Ironman races, around half a dozen Olympic-distance triathlons and several sprint events."

Of course, this journey isn't for everyone, but for Gareth it was about scratching an itch that had been there ever since he stepped away from amateur Rugby League in his mid-30s. With family life and his career taking priority, there was little time to commit to organised training, but the drive to compete never left him.

Stepping into TriBB came at the right time and Gareth soon found himself an integral part of the club itself. Not only competing, but coaching.

“The big step was becoming a Coach and giving something back to my Club and Community at the Baths. And that's the thing that keeps me in it- the Club, the Community of people in it and around it within the Baths, and the people I have met in the sport and the friendships I have made.”

In addition to coaching adults, Gareth also coaches the junior section, which was established by TriBB member and former Bramley Baths colleague Claire Higgins.

"Claire was brilliant – like the Pied Piper with the kids," he says.

What started with around a dozen young triathletes, including his own eldest daughter and the children of adult club members, has grown into a thriving junior section, with up to 28 young people regularly attending Monday evening sessions at the Baths.

When Claire moved away, fellow coaches Adrian, Becca and Gareth stepped in to lead the junior section together, continuing to create an inclusive environment where young people can enjoy swimming and triathlon without the pressure of an ultra-competitive atmosphere.

“We just stress enjoyment and having fun and if the kids just want to swim with us, that's fine. But if they want to have a go at Triathlon and the Multi-sport races that the Summer Junior Series runs in Yorkshire then we're here to help, give guidance and encourage them.”

Gareth's tendency to shine the spotlight on others almost got the better of me while writing this article. Whilst we're rightly celebrating 10 years of the TriBB club, it's important not to overlook his own remarkable achievements over the past few weeks and the epic journey to get there.

Speaking before the race, Gareth was, “Nervous, excited and inspired,” by the prospect of taking on a challenging course. A consistent training pattern for around two years consisted of spending as much time swimming around coaching responsibilities, spending time on a turbo trainer, hitting the roads (and hills) of Wharfedale and beyond, but most of all Gareth holds Time Trial racing against the clock in local events in high regard when it came to his training regime. Since the event was taking place in Banyoles, Spain, Gareth even familiarised himself with the route through Google Streetview. When I asked what he was most looking forward to, he replied:

“A chance to wear the national colours in my present sport…It's a privilege. It has to be earned, and they don't give them away. And despite me likely not troubling the leaders in my Age Category on the day for the overall, I want to represent our sport in the European Multi-sport Championships well, and the Tri Bramley Baths Club along with all of the Bramley Baths Community in terms of what can he achieved by being a part of both.”

Although training had been consistent and intense, very little could have prepared Gareth for the blistering heat wave that Spain was experiencing – temperatures easily surpassing 30 degrees, made

“It was a TOUGH day out, you couldn’t experience the heat through Google Streetview!…Although the swim in Lake Banyoles was an absolute treat, the heat however had other plans for the Bike.. Temperatures rapidly rose into the 30's as we got going on the first lap. The second lap had the temperatures in the mid 30's and it was a bit of a grovel to be honest - but we gritted our teeth and got it done.

Time wasn't spectacular compared to other races I have done in recent years but then again they were not done in these conditions.”

Gareth's modesty shines through once again as he reflects on the championships. When asked about his favourite moment of the event, his answer wasn't crossing the finish line or representing Great Britain—it was something much more personal:

"Seeing my wife and two daughters as I ran out of the water into transition before heading out on the bike."

From the outside looking in, it feels like a true full-circle moment. Having stepped away from competitive sport years earlier to focus on his family and career, Gareth returned to competition in an entirely new sport, with the very people he put first now standing on the side lines, cheering him on as he represented Great Britain on the European stage.

“After having no intentions of trying multi-sport or Triathlon, that I've got myself together and adapted from what was left of me as a retired Rugby League player, to being of a level where I was good to earn GB representation at the Euro's buy also the World's at Pontevedra in September. Shows what can be done if you stay consistent and persevere.”

Gareth’s story is one that’s replicated across our TriBB club, but always at each individual’s level and achieving individual goals. It ranges from just being part of a club environment, to competing for your nation.

I concluded our interview with asking Gareth, what advice would you give to anyone thinking about trying triathlon for the first time?

Just have a go! Don't talk yourself out of it and think that everyone in a club like Tri Bramley Baths is a super human or an Olympic medallist in the making - we're not.

Our club has regular trainers in the adult section, has an age range of 16- 66yrs old in its attendees at swim sessions and our active membership has a close on 50/50 male to female representation which is brilliant and sets the tone of everything we do!”

If you’ve been inspired by Gareth’s story, we have lots of opportunities to give Triathlon a try here at the Baths:

·       We are hosting 3 Swim Bike Run events over the Summer, Saturday 8^th August (Adult and Junior waves), Wednesday 19^th August (Family Swim Bike Run) Wednesday 26^th August (Junior Swim Bike Run). All events are suitable for absolute beginners. We have recommended distances for each event, but there is no pressure to complete – its about having a go!

·       TriBB host coached swim sessions every Tuesday, 9pm – 10pm, Thursday 6:30am – 7:30am and Saturday 4pm – 5pm. Each session has 4 lanes available to suit different speed and abilities. These sessions are drop in so anyone can pop in meet the coaches and get involved.

·       The club also arrange social gatherings throughout the year

More details can be found on our website, bramleybaths.co.uk/pool or please email tribb@bramleybaths.com