Team England has announced a further three athletes and three guides as part of the Triathlon and Para Triathlon team for the home Commonwealth Games in Birmingham this summer.

Following January and April’s announcements, which included the likes of Alex Yee, Jonny Brownlee, Georgia Taylor-Brown and Dave Ellis, the newly announced names complete a 16-stong team.

Sam Dickinson and Sian Rainsley will compete in the Triathlon at Sutton Park in what will be one of the first medals awarded at the Games when the athletes swim, bike, run on Friday 29 July.

Iain Dawson will race in the Para Triathlon two days later, guided by Duncan Shea-Simmonds. Grace France has also been confirmed as Melissa Reid’s guide and Jess Fullagar as Katie Crowhurst’s guide when PTVI Para Triathlon makes its Commonwealth Games debut on Sunday 31 July.

Mixed Relay Triathlon will also take place on 31 July to round off the swim, bike, run action, seeing national teams of four assemble to swim, bike, run towards a collective time.

This summer, Team England will comprise of over 400 athletes in total, all of whom will look to capitalise on the once in a lifetime opportunity to bring home success in their own country.

The triathletes to represent Team England are:

 

Triathlon:

·       Sam Dickinson

·       Sian Rainsley

·       Alex Yee

·       Jonathan Brownlee

·       Georgia Taylor-Brown

·       Sophie Coldwell

Para-Triathlon:

·       Melissa Reid

·       Grace France (Melissa Reid’s guide)

·       Katie Crowhurst

·       Jessica Fullagar (Katie Crowhurst’s guide)

·       Iain Dawson

·       Duncan Shea Simmonds (Iain Dawson’s guide)

·       David Ellis

·       Luke Pollard (David Ellis’s guide)

·       Oscar Kelly

·       Charlie Harding (Oscar Kelly’s guide)

Sian Rainsley commented on her selection for Team England: “I honestly can’t believe that I’m off to my first major Games, it’s a dream come true. For it to be in Sutton Park, about 30 minutes from where I grew up, makes it even more special, I raced there as a kid! I can’t wait to get out there and give it my all in-front of a home crowd, friends and family. Team England is ready to put on a good show!”

Reflecting on the prospect of competing at Birmingham, Sam Dickinson said: “Sam Dickinson: “In 2002 at 5 years old I went to watch the Commonwealth Games in Manchester. 20 years on and I’ll be the one being watched. Surreal!

 Guide, Duncan Shea-Simonds, said: “Guiding Iain over the years, through his varied Triathlon exploits, has been a fantastic and rewarding experience. From national titles to world records. It’s often been challenging, frequently entertaining but always a privilege. Competing alongside Iain, in a Team England Triathlon suit, and guiding him to deliver his best performance possible at the Commonwealth Games, will be another honour and a significant high point in my own Triathlon career.”

Team England’s Chef de Mission, Mark England OBE, welcomed the athletes and guides to the team: “We’re delighted to welcome the additional triathletes, para triathletes and guides to Team England for the home Commonwealth Games this summer, completing our Triathlon and Para Triathlon squad. I’m looking forward to watching them compete and ‘Bring it home’ this summer.”

 With the completion of the Triathlon and Para Triathlon squad, Team England’s Triathlon Team Leader, Jonathon Riall, said: "Following the announcement of these athletes and guides, we now have a complete team for our home Games in Birmingham. We've already announced some great triathletes and paratriathletes and, with the strength and experience of these additional six, we have a team with potential for success both at this year’s Commonwealth Games and in future competitions. With less than a month to go until Birmingham 2022, everyone involved in the Triathlon and Para Triathlon set up is raring to go to put on a show of swim, bike, run and to represent and inspire the country."

 You can get behind Team England by following its social channels where each athlete will become Part of the Pride in the run up to Birmingham.

 The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event with a fully integrated programme of para sport disciplines and this year’s Games promises to be extra special with full stadiums and arenas after Tokyo 2020 took place behind closed doors. Birmingham 2022 is set to have the largest ever female and para sport programme in history after a new discipline of Women’s T20 Cricket, Beach Volleyball and Para Table Tennis were confirmed.