DUATHLON: More medal success as Jess bags bronze in Denmark to follow up a Spanish silver
Jess Williams during one of the run stages of the World Duathlon Championships in Odense. - Credit: Archant
Jess Williams claimed a bronze medal in her age group at the World Duathlon Championships, overcoming illness in the crucial stages of her training to win a place on the podium.
Jess Williams during her World Duathlon Championships race in Denmark. - Credit: Archant
The event was held in Danish city Odense last Friday and saw Jess, who lives in Needingworth and works as a healthcare assistant at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, finish third in the Female 25-29 category as she followed up a silver medal in Spain in 2016.
Denmark’s Line Brandt-Peterson was second and Asa Eriksson, of Sweden, claimed the gold medal.
Jess finished in 2:00.44, just a minute behind the runner-up - Line Brandt-Peterson of Denmark. She clocked 35.19 in the first 10km run, 59.03 in the 40km cycling leg, and 21.45 in the final 5km run. Swede Asa Eriksson took gold.
Jess said: “I’m happy to be able to say that I’ve taken part in two international events in duathlon and earned two podium finishes.
“The competition was far stronger in Denmark than it was in Spain two years ago and my preparations were difficult.
“I suffered glandular fever two months ago and had to be very careful with my training.
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“It was make or break for a while as to whether I would even be well enought to race, so I’m proud of myself for remaining focused and still getting to the start line.
“It would not have been possible without the advice from my coach - my dad - and the support of my sponsors Sports4tri and DKD design as well as the love and support from all my family and friends.
“My dad drove 19 hours there 850 miles and the same back and it meant everything having my parents sacrifice their holiday to be there to help me and support me. I wouldn’t be the athlete I am without them.”
Williams came into the event on the back of a gold medal finish at the British Duathlon Championships in April and has another major event ahead - the amateur world cycling championships in Italy in late August.
She added: “I’m elated with my season so far and excited to see what’s to come.”
Williams has also qualified for the European Standard Distance Duathlon Championship in October.
