Four times as many men as women sign up for Super League

Wednesday 18 July 2018

An award-winning triathlete is calling for more women to join this year’s Super League, after it was revealed that four times as many men had signed up for the gruelling sporting challenge so far.

Super League Triathlon, which will take place on 29 and 30 September, will see Jersey take centre stage in the global sporting spotlight as 50 international athletes – including Olympians – fight to win cash in a unique twist on a triathlon.

For the first time this year, however, that challenge is also being opened to islanders of all abilities.

But organisers say that, while there has been a good amount of interest, there is only one female candidate for every four men.

Now Commonwealth Games gold medallist and 2013 World Triathlon Series runner-up Jodie Stimpson is urging women to be fearless and take the plunge… pedals and run.

“‘For me I don’t think there are many other sports which are so welcoming no matter your gender or capability - from first timers to elites. It’s a special thing to share the love of triathlon, which I’m sure you will get addicted to once you have done just one!” she commented.

always making me smile being at race especially A great city like Hamburg ! Getting ready for the next @worldtriathlon @wtshamburg @tzaferes #TYR pic.twitter.com/EsNk2rNO9d

— Jodie Stimpson (@jodiestimpson) July 12, 2018

Jodie got into triathlon life aged just eight, having joined a swimming club at four years old. Fast forward to the noughties, and she has since gone on to score gold medals at the Commonwealth Games and secured first and second places in the World Triathlon series in 2013 and 2017.

Michael Dhulst, CEO and co-founder of Super League, hopes young women will learn from her example. He described Jodie as a “great ambassador for the sport.”

“Triathlon has changed Jodie’s life and that of her family who are a huge support. She is a great example to both women and men - she is super tough, super competitive and never lies down. The perfect formula for racing in the Super League.”

Video: A teaser for this year's Super League triathlon, which will be held in September.

Islanders keen to follow in her footsteps can try out the same course as her in the Super League Age Group races. Newbies, however, can trial the Super Sprint race involving a shorter 400m swim, 10k bike journey and 2.5km run.

For the more ambitious, there’ll be an opportunity to try the ‘Enduro’ race – named as such as it will test participants’ endurance. It involves the same format as the Super Sprint, except twice, back-to-back.