Andrew Jones Athlete Ambassador
Andrew is inspired as a triathlete by his dad who also acted as his coach. He talks to Sundried about life as a triathlete.
Have you always been into sport?
After playing rugby at a semi professional level I decided on a new challenge. I was always a swimmer and decided on triathlon because I thought that it would not come easy to me. I like a challenge and this was the one for me.
How did you first get into triathlon?
In a bike shop, I saw a leaflet on the counter for a local triathlon with a sea swim and that was it! I wore a surf wetsuit and rode a borrowed bike but after that I was hooked!
What's been your best race to date?
My favourite race to date has to be Ironman Lanzarote. With 33 degree heat and 10,000 ft of climbs this was an incredible race, cycling through the lava fields with the best support in the world was amazing. As tough as it was, this was always going to be my A race.
And you proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement has to be making my family proud through racing. We had some awesome results last year with a 3rd, 2nd and 1st place finish in the team relay event over various distances, from sprint to 70.3.
Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?
I’ve had projectile vomiting on the bike and bilateral IV drips in the medical tent in Lanzarote after losing 2kg of body weight during the race.
How do you overcome setbacks?
I try to stay positive by remaining focused. I have a busy day job so the training switches my mind off. Sometimes I don’t want to get up at 05:00 or jump into the pool but within 5 minutes I love it.
I also have an incredibly supportive family and that always helps when I have to dig deep. Having a smile and a hug at the race finish, that means the world to me.
Setbacks are tough and you're only as good as your last race. I’ve found that without a doubt. You just have to throw yourself back into training and personally I try not to hold onto it
What piece of advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?
The best piece of advice was given to me by my dad who was also my swim coach from the age of 6. He told me "train hard and race easy and smile."
Always give 110% and effort beats talent when talent does not work hard.
What are your goals for 2018?
My goals for 2018 are to compete in Leeds at the ITU World Series race.
This will be another full distance race, hopefully in the sun again. I try to complete 4-5 races locally to put funds back into the local community and promote Sundried!
Who do you take inspiration from?
Inspiration has to be from my father. He was my coach and best friend who passed away recently.
He was a fierce competitor who was a force to be reckoned with. As well as playing rugby in Malaysia for the state in various international matches, he was a first class swimmer and water polo player and a coach for 33 years. Simply the best and a complete inspiration.
What do you like about Sundried and what's your favourite bit of our kit?
Sundried to me is just an incredible brand. The ethics and the way the garments are produced is second to none.
My favourite bit of training kit is the Grande Casse men's hoodie because of its comfort and fit. It is amazing quality and a pleasure to wear.
