Massive congratulations to Fynn Batkin who has been selected to represent Great Britain's Triathlon team for the upcoming European Youth Championships in Loutraki Greece between 30th August & 02nd September, his first full GB triathlon selection.
Fynn was selected following the Hetton Super Sprints on 21st July where he finished in 2nd place to earn his selection & join the x4 strong British squad for this Age Group.
The Hetton event mirrors the Youth Championship, by having two short rounds of 300M swim 7.5Km bike and 1.8Km run. The first 12 athletes and next 6 fastest from each semi-final progress to the final later in the day. Fynn’s aim in the semi was to qualify for the final by using up as little energy as possible. Heading onto the run leg in the top 5, he eased off to finish in a comfortable 10th to progress to the final.
The final would be contested by the best 30 youth triathletes in Britain all chasing a top 4 finish to gain selection for the European Champs. A solid swim saw Fynn exit the water in 5th place heading into the bike leg. Despite repeated attacks no athletes were able to break away on the bike, as a group formed with all 30 finalists. The race would come down to a running race which played to Fynn’s strength.
Fynn made his first mistake of the day finding himself too far back in the pack coming into the bike to run transition, giving his main rivals a head start going into the run. By the end of the first lap of the two, he had moved himself into the lead group of 6. As the second lap progressed the pace continued to increase with Conor Bentley the eventual winner pulling a slight lead. Fynn responded getting himself into 2nd place, he was unable to catch Conor but did manage to hang onto a fine 2nd place and that all important qualifying place.
Fynn Batkin first full GB selection for the European Youth Championships
.jpg)
Fynn has been in fantastic form this season on track setting new club records for both the 3000m and 5000m and we wish him the very best of luck making his full GB International debut.