Rupert Griffiths

Chairman

I am a relative newcomer to the sport of Triathlon, I joined the club last year and being one who likes to be involved I volunteered to join the committee. When our last Chairman decided to step down at the last club AGM I decided to put my name forward for the Chairman's role. So here I am.

I took took up Triathlon as a sport last year, in the past I have sailed, in dinghys and offshore, competing in the Tall Ships race in 1992 crossing the Atlantic between Boston & Liverpool. For the last 11 years I have been practising the martial art, Tae Kwon Do, reaching 3rd Dan Black Belt status. However the contact and impact was taking a little too much of a toll on my ageing body. A new personal sporting challenge was required and as I have always admired the dedication of those competing in multi event sports I joined this club and ventured into the world of Triathlon.

Helen Hunter

Membership Secretary

Kieron Parnell

Secretary

Michael Bland

Treasurer

I come from a background of running and confess to enjoying duathlon (run, cycle run) more than triathlon as swimming, whilst amusing for spectators, is not my strength. However, I am fast progressing following expert club coaching sessions. I joined the club further to encouragement from my wife, the secretary, and in response to the old saying "if you can’t beat them join them". My career in finance naturally supports my role as club treasurer. I ensure that the books balance and that the club remains financially viable.

Sam Pratt

Coach Development/Coach Liaison

I decided to get involved with triathlon shortly after a friend emigrated to Canada and although I realised I would never achieve her high standards, I liked the idea of the challenge of completing three sporting activities back to back.

I subsequently conned a friend into joining me and shortly after this along with yet another friend, Leanne Versteege and Tony Ireland respectively, we decided to start a local club and so Andover Triathlon Club was conceived!!! I therefore had little choice but to be on the committee! I served for 3 years before going off to do some travelling. I thought that that was it, but somehow I seem to have found my way back on to the committee!

I am also one of the coaches and this came about because of my background as a physio and not the huge number of races (NOT!) under my belt. My strength with respect to the coaching is being picky about technique which should result in injury prevention, particularly when it comes to the strength and conditioning circuits session!

My preference with respect to triathlon is for the training and therefore keeping fit whilst at the same time having good company. The club was initially small and whilst it has grown significantly over its short lifespan the mentality of the members has remained the same, to welcome with open arms likeminded health and fitness individuals wishing to join us.

Dan Mason

Committee Member/Coach

Joined the committee in 2012 – at the ripe old age of 33 I decided it was about time took up a new challenge and hobby which has soon become more of an obsession. Prior to taking up triathlon I was unfit, unhealthy and hadn’t done any recognised exercise since leaving school.

In the last 4 years I have competed in over 25 events including, duathlons, all distance of Triathlon including two Ironman, several half marathons and a marathon. In 2011 I decided to give a little back to the club and gained BTF level 1 coaching and have since started helping with the coaching.