Ready, set, go! Physiotherapist qualifies for Euro Triathlon

A community physiotherapist, David Standley, will be running, swimming and cycling for Great Britain this weekend (28 and 29 May) in a bid to win the European Standard Distance Triathlon Championships. David will be competing against the best in Europe for his age group, age 40 to 45.

He will be swimming an impressive 1500m, cycling 40km and then running 10km during the championships which are due to be held in Olsztyn, Poland.

David, who has been a physiotherapist with the adults with learning disabilities team at Guy's and St Thomas' for 14 years, said: "I absolutely love Triathlon training. Whenever I want to switch off after a long day I'll go out for a run, or go on my bike and because of where I live, I can swim in the sea as well. 

"Everybody needs a way of winding down after a busy day, certainly after what we've all been through with the pandemic and what we continue to do. It's my way of chilling out."

David works with a range of people with disabilities including those with cerebral palsy, helping them with their posture and movement.

Sarah Bruce, lead clinician physiotherapist for the team, said: "For David to get to this level where he is representing our country requires a huge amount of effort. And that's on top of working full-time.

"It shows a huge amount of focus, dedication and hard work. These are all attributes that reflect the way in which David approaches his work. It's an amazing feat."

David recently completed an Ironman Triathlon in Majorca earlier this month comprising an incredible 3.8km swim, an 180km bike ride and then a marathon. He trains all year round with the Brighton Triathlon club.