YATE-BASED triathlete Ben Rawlins had a whirlwind 10 days competing on the national and international stage. 

The 17-year-old won the Triathlon England under 20 National Aquathlon Championships in Peterborough on Sunday, July 22. 
Rawlins competed against 168 other competitors and after the frantic start to the race he managed to take the lead and hold his position.

He finished the 750 metre lake course in 10.08 minutes, with the fastest transition of the day of 29 seconds and a five kilometre run in 17.42. 
Overall, Rawlins finished in 28.17, two minutes ahead of under 20 silver medallist James Wizard. 

Ten days earlier, the teenager, who represents Yate TriStar, had finished fourth in the World Championships in Denmark where he came up against older competitors.

Rawlins will now work on full triathlon training whilst also racing Aquathlons. He’s currently running and swimming and will later be integrating the bike work into his schedules. 

Aquathlons are now part of the International Triathlon Union programme and are now a crucial part of Rawlins’ training. The sport of Aquathlon consists of a continuous, two-stage race involving swimming followed by running.