Paralympian Mel Nicholls was at a community open water swimming session in Hackney today, to mark 50 days to go to the return of elite level triathlon racing to London on 25 July.
The session highlighted the legacy ambitions behind this summer’s World Triathlon Championship Series in London, with local participants getting the chance to experience one of triathlon’s three disciplines just weeks before the world’s best athletes race in the capital on 25 July.
Taking place as part of the London T100 Triathlon weekend on 25-26 July which last year saw more than 5,000 amateurs take part, the World Triathlon Championship Series will return Olympic-level triathlon racing to London for the first time since 2015. With ranking points on offer on the road to LA 2028, the event is set to bring together many of the sport’s leading international athletes alongside top British contenders.
Mel Nicholls said: “If the London event can inspire people to give triathlon a go then it has achieved one of its key goals. I’m really pleased to have had this opportunity to chat to some of those today and wish them every success in their triathlon journey.”
Sam Dickinson, Olympic Bronze medallist, added: “Bringing world class triathlon racing back to London is a dream come true for us – there's nothing like racing in front of a home crowd and the boost that brings. And it’s great to see so many people being inspired, connecting to the event and taking part.”
Supported through National Lottery funding from UK Sport and delivered in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation who own and organise the London T100, British Triathlon is using the event to help create opportunities for young people, women and girls, and more diverse communities to access swimming, cycling and running, and to discover triathlon in ways that feel welcoming and achievable.
Today’s session at West Reservoir Centre in Hackney brought that ambition to life, offering people who are new to the sport or wanting to build their confidence the chance to try open water swimming in a supported environment. Many of those taking part have entered the T100 event as their first triathlon.
Ruth Daniels, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said: “Bringing World Triathlon Championship Series racing back to London as part of the T100 weekend is a significant milestone for our sport.
“But just as important is what events like this can mean for people’s own triathlon journey. For many taking part today, trying open water swimming is a big step, whether they are building confidence in the water or preparing for their first triathlon. That connection between a world-class event and people giving triathlon a go for themselves is exactly the kind of legacy we want to create.”
The 2024 and 2025 editions of the London T100 saw more than 10,000 amateur participants take part, including a number of famous sports personalities and celebrities such as Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, para athlete and TV presenter Billy Monger, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his family, drummer Harry Judd and singer Tom Grennan.
“We want to make the London T100 triathlon’s version of the London Marathon, combining elite and mass participation sport in one event weekend,” said PTO CEO Sam Renouf. “An important part of that is making sure the event is for everyone and provides a pathway into the sport, which today’s community swim in Hackney was a great example of. The World Triathlon Championship Series race will form part of a wider festival of triathlon in London on 25 to 26 July, with elite racing alongside amateur participation events across the weekend.”
