More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Teenager Oliver Scott says his dream is to compete in triathlons on the global stage.
Scott, 13, has been placed on the British Paratriathlon talent pathway programme after he switched to the sport this June, having previously been with Invicta East Kent.
The Faversham lad has joined Medway Tri following his transition.
He was born as a lower left-arm amputee but now competes against able-bodied athletes.
“This is a completely new challenge for me as I have not really swam since I was nine years old and I have a lot of hard work ahead of me,” Scott said.
“I met with the British Triathlon classifiers and I have been classified as a PTS5 athlete.
“Since this, I have joined Medway Tri Club, training four days a week and then doing an additional training session at the weekend.
“After a virtual time trial, I have been put on the confirmation pathway with British Paratriathlon.
“This is for a year. I will then meet with the team after this time where it will be decided if I can remain on the programme to develop further.”
Scott is in Year 9 at Canterbury Academy.
He added: “My future dream in sport is to be a Para Tri athlete, competing on the World and Olympic stage for Great Britain.
“I also want to become a forensic scientist and I’m working hard at my GCSEs, and I’ve have chosen the subjects I’m doing based on these career paths.”
Scott competed in a field of 23 in his first-ever triathlon in September in Bognor Regis.
He came eighth overall as he finished in the top-eight in the cycling event and came first in the running section.
Scott said: “Aside from triathlons, I’m still a keen runner, participating in the Kent Cross County League, representing Medway Tri with the hopes of qualifying for the Kent team to again represent them in a number of different races and venues.
“I still enjoy a parkrun but tend now to run the 5k races as this distance is better suited to me.
“This season, I have managed to get my time down to 17mins23sec.”
He has also been assisted by the Canterbury Bike Project who have modified his bike but Scott knows all support he can get would help.
He said: “Any support that can be provided to help me in my quest of representing my country and achieving my dreams would be greatly appreciated.”
Further British Paratriathlon training days are not expected to be held until the New Year.
