An academic athlete from Hadleigh who took up triathlons just two years ago has represented Great Britain for the first time in international competition. 

University of Suffolk academic Professor Valerie Gladwell, who is Director of the University's Institute of Health and Wellbeing was one of around 14 GB age group athletes (out of 400 GB athletes who attended the event as a whole) who took part in both races of the 2023 Europe Triathlon Championships in Madrid earlier this month. 

Professor G;adwell from Hadleigh racing for GB in Madrid (Picture: Darcy Gladwell)

Despite suffering from Crohn's and a blood clot on her lung hampering her training efforts, Professor Gladwell finished 13th in the Saturday 'Standard' event on June 3 and finished 10th in the 'Sprint' a day later.

Water quality issues resulted in the triathlons becoming duathlons on both days, with an additional run replacing the swimming legs. Saturday's 'Standard' featured a 5km run, 40km bike ride, and 10km run, while Sunday's 'Sprint' comprised a 2.5km run, 20km bike and 5km run. 

Professor Gladwell, who lives in the town, said: "I was thrilled to represent GB – it was an amazing experience and I really hope to do more of this in the future. I am inspired by my children who take part in triathlons and I cannot do it without the support of my husband and family.

"I had hoped to finish a bit higher but I suffer from Crohn's and had been in flare since November and it is just under control. I also had a blood clot on my lung in early March so I had to take my training very steady and not over-push myself in both training and the races." 

Professor Gladwell was selected to represent GB in her age group after securing a top 20 slot in qualifiers in May last year at Eton Dorney for the Sprint and in Leeds in June for the Standard.   

Her training regime includes running alongside her daughter, Darcy, at Ipswich Harriers and is also a member of TRISudbury for swimming training. 

She said she did her first triathlon in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic, and took up the sport thanks to her son.   

"The reason I took it up is because my son, Harvey, suffers from ulcerative colitis. In 2020 he had his colon removed and when he was in his hospital bed he said 'I am doing an Iron Man and you are going to do it with me'," Professor Gladwell said.  

The pair completed a DIY 'Iron Man' in August 2021, raising more than £2,000 for Crohn's and Colitis UK. Professor Gladwell is now eyeing the world championships in Malaga in 2024, with a qualifying event coming up at the end of July in Sunderland next on her radar.   

Professor Gladwell is Director of the University's Institute of Health and Wellbeing, with current research projects exploring a range of important areas such as the Menopause, active travel, physical activity, Diabetes and NHS Neighbourhood Teams.

To find out more about the Institute and its research work, visit: www.uos.ac.uk/content/institute-health-wellbeing