Leeds Beckett alumni announced for Olympic Triathlon squad

Two of the selected athletes, double Olympic medalists Alex Yee and Georgia Taylor-Brown, are Leeds Beckett alumni who burst onto the international scene while studying and training at the university.

Beth Potter is preparing for Paris with a coaching team including Leeds Beckett's Head of Athletics Andrew Henderson, Head of Strength & Conditioning Dane Mitchell and the university's former Head of Triathlon, Jack Maitland.

Sam Dickinson and Kate Waugh are both University of Leeds alumni who used Leeds Beckett's world class facilities as part of the groundbreaking Leeds Triathlon Centre partnership between British Athletics and the two universities. Sam remains part of the elite training squad in Leeds.

Alex became a global triathlon star while studying for his BSc in Sport & Exercise - graduating in the same summer he brought home two medals from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Georgia, who graduated with the same degree in 2015, matched Alex's medal haul in Tokyo.

Their gold medals came in the team event alongside triathlon royalty - and Leeds Beckett honorary graduate - Jonny Brownlee MBE.

Such is the strength of the British triathlon squad, there was no place in the Olympic team for Jonny - a six-time world champion and triple Olympic medalist.

Leeds Beckett's Head of Athletics Andrew Henderson said: "I've seen the work these athletes and their support teams put in over many years, so I'm delighted to see that talent and dedication rewarded with selection to compete on the biggest stage.

"It is another sign that, along with our partners like Leeds Triathlon Centre, Leeds has become a special place where elite athletes can become Olympians and world champions."

On Jonny Brownlee:

"Jonny is a massive part of Leeds' growth as a centre of excellence for triathlon, and it is difficult to imagine an Olympic triathlon without him. He's a class act on and off the track, so it is no surprise to see that he's already committed to support the team in any way he can as they try to reach the incredible standards he has set."

The triathletes have been using the world-class facilities and expertise at The Carnegie School of Sport, including the environmental heat chambers, to prepare for what could be a hot summer in Paris.

The athletes also have access to Leeds Beckett's coaching and sports science expertise across nutrition, strength and conditioning and sports psychology.

The Leeds Beckett University Talent Hub is a partnership between Leeds Beckett University, England Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Talent Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS).

The Talent Hub provides an elite training environment for its athletes, with support from coaches and access to the university's facilities including the athletics track and the £45m Carnegie School of Sport building.