On 1st May, three Liverpool Student Doctors competed in the BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport) Spring Triathlon, the first time the University of Liverpool has ever attended a BUCS triathlon competition.
Georgia Armitage (in Year One), Mary Caddick (in Year Three) and Sophie Kirby (in Year Four) took part in the race, which involved a 400 metre swim, 22 km bike course and 5 km run route.
Student Doctor Mary Caddick explains how being a part of the University’s Triathlon Society has made such a difference to her student experience this year, both on and off the field.
“This year I was able to be a support medic at the Youth British Performance Triathlons, which was incredibly inspiring. Coming back to University I joined the Triathlon Society expecting it to be purely to improve speed, endurance, and skills.
These were not the reasons why this sport has become so special for me and a handful of other medics. It provides a perfect escape to spend time socially doing different sports you love or want to develop.
An evening cycle or spin class, afternoon run or morning swim with a bunch of mates always leaves you with a good buzz. Over time though these micro activities build huge mental resilience.
Competing at the BUCS Spring Triathlon is the proudest I have been in my life.
Balancing training with my medical degree was a challenge to start. However, I firmly believe you should take an hour each day to do what you love and be happy. With a bit of planning, organisation and removing the 'time wasting' (scrolling though Instagram and Snapchat!) you can do it! And these are all skills I am glad I have learnt now.
UoL students at the BUCS Spring Triathlon
I want to encourage anyone, regardless of ability, to join the Triathlon Society next year (no one joins university being good at all 3 of the sports, if any) and have the opportunity be a part of this incredibly supportive and kind community, in addition to improving yourself.
There's always someone to run, cycle or swim with in the society!”
Discover more
- There are countless sports clubs you can join at the University of Liverpool. Head over to the Sport Liverpool site to learn more about these and the many facilities on offer to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Follow the University of Liverpool Triathlon Society on Instagram and Facebook.
- Check out what other student doctors get out of their sports clubs in Sports Spotlights One and Two.