Jade Jones-Hall, a Teesside University student and Middlesbrough native, is going for gold in the Para-triathlon at the 2018 Commonwealth Games held in Australia’s Gold Coast tomorrow.
Jade, a final-year law student, is attempting to win the inaugural Para-triathlon event at the Commonwealth Games despite only taking up the sport less than two years ago.
Jones-Hall was inspired to try it after watching the first appearance of the Para-triathlon in the Paralympics at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The Commonwealth Games invoke good memories for the two-time Paralympian, who won a bronze medal at the 2014 Glasgow games in the track athletics before her switch to Para-triathlon.
“Commonwealth Games will always hold a special place in my heart as it’s where I won my first senior medal,” said Jones-Hall when she heard of her inclusion in the Team England squad.
“I am especially excited to be selected for the commonwealth games in Australia in April for triathlon.”
Let’s take a look at what lies ahead in her event…
The Course
A sprint course for the Para-triathlon will be used for the first time at a Commonwealth Games. The course will feature:
- A 750m swim segment that will start on the Broadwater pontoon with a course that brings the athletes back into the transition area.
- A 20km bike phase that consists of a five-lap technical course. This stretches from Southport to Biggera Waters and returns to the transition area.
- A 5km run that is three laps of a course between Southport and Labrador.
Here is a short video that outlines the course:
Race Start Time
Saturday, 5th April 9.31 a.m. (local time) – 12:31 a.m. UK time (early Saturday morning).
Follow Jade’s race on the BBC Sport website.
Jones-Hall is a member of the University’s elite athlete student scheme which provides its athletes with state-of-the-art equipment and help with her training regimen.
Great session in the chamber today with @JadeJones11 @callumhgb looking really strong for the #CommonwealthGames #thisteesgirlcan good luck from all here @TUPhysLabs @TeessideUni pic.twitter.com/lqDl8uJmb6
— TUPhysLabs (@TUPhysLabs) March 21, 2018
Athletes on the programme can access all of their sports science data and apply it to their preparation. The scheme is tailored to each student so they can receive the best support possible.
For more on Teesside University’s Elite Athlete Student Scheme, stay tuned to The Undergrad next week for a closer look.
GOOD LUCK JADE!!!
Freelance Sports Journalist. Teesside University Graduate
