Sheffield couple ready to take on the world's best at triathlon championships

A Sheffield husband and wife have proved that age is no barrier to fitness after qualifying for a world triathlon contest in their 50s.
Chrissie and Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, have both qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.Chrissie and Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, have both qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.
Chrissie and Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, have both qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico.

Mike and Chrissie Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, will take on the best the rest of the globe has to offer when they represent Great Britain at the World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico, in September.

Mike, 57, and Chrisse, 55, are no amateurs, and have targeted qualification for several years. And they could be among the medals in a matter of weeks.

Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico alongside his wife Chrissie.Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico alongside his wife Chrissie.
Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico alongside his wife Chrissie.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We were really pleased when we qualified,” said Mike. “We had to wait for a call as they compare your time with the winning time.

“We were certainly a bit anxious and excited. But when it came through it was brilliant.”

The couple put in their qualifying times at an event in Llandudlo earlier this year. As well as representing Great Britain, they are also racing for Yorkshire. They will be joined by Olympic medallist brothers Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, from Dewsbury.

The couple both work in education; Mike for Sheffield Council and Chrissie as head of psychology at Silverdale School.

Chrissie Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico, alongside husband Mike.Chrissie Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico, alongside husband Mike.
Chrissie Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico, alongside husband Mike.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mike said: “The event takes place during term time so Chrissie had to go to her headteacher and governors to see if they would allow her unpaid leave, which they very kindly gave her.

“It’s great to have that support.”

The couple are self-funded, and grateful for any support towards their competition. Donate at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/mikeandchrissietoworlds

Today’s top stories:

Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico alongside his wife Chrissie.Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico alongside his wife Chrissie.
Mike Garnock-Jones, from Ecclesall, Sheffield, has qualified for the 2016 World Triathlon Championships in Cozumel, Mexico alongside his wife Chrissie.