Proud Jackson guns for glory

Kieran Jackson - Triathlon chance

Former rugby player aims to star for Great Britain in major triathlon

CYCLING: ELECTRICIAN Kieran Jackson is aiming to light up the Triathlon Olympic Distance World Championships in Budapest.

Jackson (28) from Moorside switched from rugby to athletics four years ago and hasn’t looked back.

His first win as a triathlete came in Todmorden and it proved to be the spark for which Jackson was searching, as it was followed by qualification in Shropshire for the eagerly-anticipated event in Hungary.

He will represent Great Britain in the competition, which gets under way on September 12.

He said: “Competing for your country is an honour, I can’t wait to get out there and give it my best shot.

“I was always into rugby but gave this a try four years ago and have loved it ever since.

“In qualifying I came 16th overall in the race but fourth in my age group, which is 25 to 29, so it was enough to make it into the squad.”

Jackson has been a member of Rochdale Triathlon Club since 2006.

The self-employed electrician trains at least twice a day near his home, often rising as early as 5am for a run.

He doesn’t receive any funding due to the fact he is in the age group category and is not a professional.

A combination of overseas travelling, new kit and accommodation makes it an expensive hobby to maintain.

If you would like to sponsor Jackson, give him a call on 07843 285655.

Keep reading your Oldham Evening Chronicle to find out how Kieran fares in Budapest.