Tom Brinkley Athlete Ambassador

Tom is the Head of Basketball at Moulton College as well as an anti-doping educator and son of an Olympic athlete. He talks to Sundried about life in sport.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I have always been into sport. I played county level sports at school and I come from a family heavily involved with swimming.

What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?

I used to train with triathletes when I was a swimmer and I used to think they were a bit crazy! I entered my first triathlon in 2019 (London Triathlon, Olympic Distance) and now I am hooked.

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

Currently London as it was my first and I learnt a lot from doing it.

And your proudest achievement?

Completing the London Marathon in 2018 and also achieving my first GB cap for swimming. It's hard to decide which one is my most proud achievement.

Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?

During the heavy training phase for London Marathon I suffered quite a bad calf injury so my plan changed from time-specific to simply finishing. On race day, it was 25 degrees which I wasn't prepared for but I managed to finish despite the sudden increase in temperature and double calf injury at 15 miles.

How do you overcome setbacks?

I was forced to retire from competitive swimming age 21 due to a life-threatening illness but I've been in remission since 2007.

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

Stretch more! And hydrate better.

What are your goals for 2020?

Supporting others with their triathlon training. I'm also working on improving my time from the 2019 London Triathlon and I'm looking at completing an Ironman in the next 5 years.

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My father who is a 2-time Olympian and medallist. Also my students who I teach each day. They are always teaching me something new. 

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I love that Sundried focus on a low carbon footprint and that their range is not just eco-friendly but it's also competitive. I love the water bottle which i use every day!