Why we do what we do - never forget we all make a real difference to people
Suzie Cave represented Team GB in the Triathle World Championships in St Petersburg, Florida and achieved her best results to date. With this being her first year doing triathlete, Suzie never expected to qualify so to get to the Worlds were a shock and a dream come true. Her achievements are truly inspiring and portray why the work GLL Sport Foundation does is important and needed.
Triathle is shooting with a laser pistol, 50m open water swim and 800m run – all x4; very different to what Suzie normally competes in which is Modern Pentathlon. While pentathlon includes swim, run and shoot (also horse riding and fencing) – these are done separately over the course of the day and not in a continuous format like triathlete where transitions are required. Suzie was at a disadvantage compared to her peers as this was the first year she competed in this event, nevertheless, she won the British title at the British Championships, qualifying for the Worlds and also qualified in the Europeans, winning the bronze medal.
Going into the World Championships, Suzie had no expectations as she was up against some of USA’s top pentathletes – professional athletes that have been and are going to the Olympics in modern pentathlon. Florida was a very different environment compared to Northern Ireland weather she’s use to, particularly because it was up to 30 degrees heat and 90% humidity. On the actual day of the event it was chaos. The race before her was midway through when it was struck with hurricane-strength winds and biblical rainfall where competitors had to be pulled out of the water for safety purposes.
‘I use the fantastic gym and pool at Olympia, Belfast. I do a lot of my strength and conditioning there which has been essential in keeping my body strong to consistently endure the training I am required to do and the strain my body undergoes during competition.’
Due to her inexperience, Suzie was extremely nervous. Just getting to the World's was her greatest achievement and her plan was to go enjoy being there, and soak up the experience no matter the result. To finish 5th was completely unexpected and an amazing result. She is a model GSF athlete and even against adversity, she did not let that stop her from reaching her potential. Congratulations Suzie on all that you achieved and looking forward to what you accomplish next year!
