Jodie Smith takes gold and Pete Matthews silver for Aurora Triathlon Team from Portsoy at Scottish National Standard Distance Triathlon Championships at Knockburn Sports Loch
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A PORTSOY-based triathlon club is celebrating having a Scottish champion in their ranks.
The Aurora Triathlon Team not only won gold at the Scottish National Standard Distance Triathlon Championships, but also claimed a silver medal in the same event.
Jodie Smith was the winner of the male 40-44 age category race at Knockburn Sports Loch last week, making him his club’s first-ever Scottish champion.
Making it an Aurora one-two in the same race was team-mate Pete Matthews, who produced a similarly strong performance to take the silver medal.
Club member Ember Ellis said: “After a solid 1500 metre swim, Jodie came out of the water a few places back but worked his way into the lead during the 40km bike and managed to hold off the competition on the 10km run to take the 40-44 Scottish title.
“Everyone at Aurora Triathlon Team would like to congratulate Jodie and Pete on their amazing achievement.
“Jodie is a great example of how it is never too late to get in to sport as he only took up triathlon training in 2016 when he was 36 and had no prior sporting experience.”
The Portsoy club has a thriving membership and is actively seeking more people to try out the sport or expand on their fitness regime.
Aurora now has more than 30 members based not only in Banffshire, but around Aberdeenshire and Moray.
“We want to encourage and help facilitate more adults and young people into the sport of triathlon and enjoy the benefits which can be life changing for health and wellbeing,” Ellis added.
“We are hoping to develop a loch and triathlon training facility on land that we own between Portsoy and Huntly and currently seeking funding options, and welcome any advice or opportunities.”
Visit the club’s website, Facebook and Instagram accounts for more details.
