EVESHAM multi-sport athlete Helen Russell got her quadrathlon season off to the perfect start by winning the World Quadrathlon Middle Distance Championship title in her age category.
The World Championship race, which this year took place on British soil in Brigg, Lincolnshire, attracted athletes from Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Ireland, all vying to be crowned world champion over the middle distance format of 1,500m river swim, 7km kayak, 38km bike and 10km run.
Russell had an excellent start as she exited the river swim in first place and led from gun to tape to take victory in the 40-50 age category.
Not only did Russell win her age group race, but her finish time meant she was second overall woman on the day, with only Becky Robertson from the elite category posting a faster time.
Russell, who is sponsored by the Rivers Evesham Gifted & Talented Scheme and was recently named Wychavon Sporting Hero, adds this middle distance world title to the sprint distance title she won in Germany last season.
She said: “With this race being the first in the season, I wasn’t sure how I would fare, especially as I struggled with injury and illness in the run-up to the race.
“I am delighted to now hold both the middle and sprint distance titles in my age group and am excited for the rest of the season.”
Russell’s attention will now turn to the British Trophy Series races and the British Championship race later in the season. Her next race is the Dearne Valley Quadrathlon in South Yorkshire in mid-June.
