National triathlon triumph for Tonbridge Sixth Former Max
Tonbridge Sixth Former Max Selby has been ranked as the third best young triathlete in the UK following some recent excellent performances.
Max (WH5) took part in five events around the country this summer which tested his skills in the triathlon – which consists of open water swimming followed by cycling and running, all within an intense hour of competition.
The National Super Series, run by British Triathlon, provides outstanding young athletes from across England, Scotland and Wales with the chance to compete against each other and to earn points based on their best three results.
The overall winners were crowned at the final race of the series, the Grand Final at Mallory Park, Leicestershire, on Saturday 11 September.
Max, who competed in the Youth B (Under 18) section, achieved two third places and one fourth place as his ‘best three’ finishes in the five events. He has now met the criteria required for selection to the England Development Academy, an ‘Olympic pathway’ which could lead to him competing in European and other international events – although he will have to successfully complete an interview and various high-level performance tests in order to progress to that elite stage.
In any event, Max is determined to continue with the triathlon once he leaves Tonbridge next year. He plans to read Biochemistry at university and is particularly attracted to the University of Bath, which is home to British Triathlon’s Bath National Performance Centre and has facilities including an Olympic-sized London 2012 Legacy Swimming Pool.
At present he puts in around 20 hours of training a week, across the three disciplines, and does an additional couple of hours of strength training each week too.
Josie McNeil, Master in Charge of Swimming, said: “Max’s dedication, work ethic and focus has been incredible, especially considering that he has been training through lockdowns, pool closures and huge disruptions. Long distance swimming, and especially open water swimming is a challenge few take on, and to see Max go so far in such a short period means he has a very exciting future ahead of him.”
Max added: “To get a third place nationally, in only my second season, feels incredible: in fact, it’s taken a long time to sink in.”
