'I lost 5.5 stone and now I'm getting ready to represent Team GB in triathlon'

A Preston mum-of-three who took up triathlons after losing over five stone in the gym is preparing to represent Team GB in Australia.

Back in 2006, Lizz Davidson says she was “so overweight and unhealthy”. She says she had ‘no fitness whatsoever’ and had to exercise for two years before she would even set foot in a gym.

Through a mixture of grit and determination, she managed to shed five and a half stone. And in it’s place, found a new love – triathlons. She competed in her first in 2009 after being introduced to the sport by a group of friends.

After facing a series of setbacks, including the pandemic, and personal loss when she miscarried in 2017, she continued to train. Now, juggling running alongside her three kids, Lizz is often out and running by 4.30am. Sometimes with the two eldest, Jack, 8, and Charlie, 7, on their bikes and her youngest, Jessica, 3, in a running-buggy.

The hard work is paying off, as she prepares to represent Team GB in the 2024 World’s Sprint Distance Duathlon Championships taking place in August this year in Townsville, Australia WIth no financial support from British Athletics, Lizz is raising the necessary funds to compete through GoFundMe

Lizz in action

Lizz said: “I was introduced to Triathlon by a group of friends and found my passion for this sport when I did my first super-sprint event in 2009. I’m super grateful to my family and friends for supporting my dream of competing on the international stage – as a working mum of 3, I simply couldn’t have done it without them.”

She added: “I’m getting up at ridiculous times of the morning to get my training in around my family and work, but this dream of racing is what’s keeping me going and I truly appreciate all the support I have around me cheering me on!”

Despite the challenge of juggling three young children with a tough training schedule, Lizz was thrilled to qualify in third place in last year’s Worlds Duathlon Championship qualifiers, earning her a place to represent Team GB at the running and cycling competition held in Australia in August this year.

Lizz with her daughter in her buggy

Although Lizz is supported by sporting suppliers such as Preston Sports Clinic, Jack Parker Cycles, her coach Rav Dighe-Aloha Triathlon Coaching and Sports Performance Nutritionist Nathan Jefferies, her preparation for and participation in these races are entirely self-funded.

She has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help her cover the costs of flights, accommodation, international race fees, relevant insurances, Team GB race kit, equipment and sports nutrition. More than half way to her goal, Lizz has been able to secure her flights, but is still looking for financial support to cover the rest of her costs.