TRIATHLETE Dave Walder is proud he’s been able to secure a place representing Great Britain at the ITU World Triathlon Championships while juggling his busy family life.

The father-of-two, who lives in Sandridge Common, near Melksham, is set to make his international debut in Edmonton, Canada, on September 1, in the 35-39 age group.

Walder, who is 38 and a member of Trowbridge’s Hot Chilli triathlon club, only took up triathlon three years ago and is thrilled to get his hands on a GB kit after qualifying fourth in his age group at last weekend’s Shropshire Triathlon in Ellesmere.

“I’m so happy to have got there. I’ve only been doing triathlon for three years and it was only last autumn that my Hot Chilli coach, Richard Smith, said that I should try to get to the worlds,” said Wadler, who works as a civil servant in Corsham and is father to Charlie, six, and Jack, five.

“There were three or four qualification races but I managed to get there in the first one.

“I think that I’ve done really well to fit it in around my family life. I’ve got two young kids and I’m currently building my own house too, which takes up a lot of time.

“My wife Jessica has to put up with me getting up early to train every morning, so we’re going to try and have a bit of a holiday when we’re out there too.

“I also want to do the Aquathlon (World Championships), which takes place a few days before the triathlon (on August 27) – a lot of athletes that go out there do it as a warm-up and I think it’ll help me.

“I want to make sure that I prepare properly – I’ve always just done the training when I can but I’ll speak to my coach about being a bit more scientific about it.”

Walder’s Hot Chilli team-mate Kirk Latham, from Frome, is also attempting to book a place in Canada and missed out by one position at last weekend’s qualifier in Shropshire.

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