Team Freespeed Virgin Active Announce New 12th Member

Virgin Active Health Club member wins place on amateur triathlon team.

In May 2013, Virgin Active Health Clubs launched a national competition to find the 12th member of Team Freespeed Virgin Active, the UK based amateur triathlon team.

Highlighting that the sport of triathlon can be accessible to anyone willing to give to give it a go, the competition was even open to those who have never competed a full race. The prize-package includes an upgrade of existing membership to include access to the team’s training base at the Virgin Active Chiswick Riverside Health and Racquet Club, entry to the Virgin Active London Triathlon and Valencia Triathlon, a Sailfish G-Range wetsuit and a full Team Freespeed Virgin Active training and race kit amongst other prizes, to help them #GetGoing with triathlon.

The winner of the competition is Kate Driskell, 40 from London, who becomes the 12th member of Team Freespeed Virgin Active for the 2013 season.

Having been diagnosed with a high blood pressure in 2006, Kate transformed her lifestyle and dropped her weight from 15 stone to 10 stone in a healthy and controlled way.

Kate realised it was imperative that she built up her strength and slimmed down so joined her local Virgin Active Health Club, employing the services of a Personal Trainer to get focused and fit.

After meeting a cycling fanatic, who went on to become her husband, Kate was encouraged to take part in her first ever triathlon. She had found her passion!

When Kate took part in the Virgin Active London Triathlon in 2011, she had the time of her life meeting new people and absorbing the exhilarating atmosphere - so much so that she cried when she crossed the finishing line. She was totally overwhelmed with her incredible achievement and to date has lost almost five stone.

Kate will be competing with Team Freespeed Virgin Active at this year’s Virgin Active London Triathlon on July 27th – 28th at the Excel Centre in London Docklands. Commenting on the news, Kate said;

“I couldn’t believe it when I received the call from Virgin Active to say I had won the competition - when I found out I exploded with joy! The triathlon scene is such a fantastic community to be a part of and I’ve followed Team Freespeed Virgin Active for some time – to be joining them is a dream come true. I would encourage anyone looking for a multi-sport challenge to give triathlon a go, you don’t have to be an elite athlete. If I can do it, anyone can!”

Nick Stocker, Sponsorship Manager at Virgin Active Health Clubs adds;

“We received a lot of entries and Kate’s really stood out. Her passion and enthusiasm for triathlon was infectious and her story inspirational. This is the third year that we have been the title sponsor of the London Triathlon Virgin Active and it looks set to be the biggest to date. Hopefully Kate’s story competing as a member of Team Freespeed Virgin Active at this year’s event will inspire a new wave of first time triathletes.”

Richard Melik, Team Manager, Team Freespeed Virgin Active says;

“When we launched this competition we were hoping to find someone with the ability to inspire others by their enthusiasm and passion for the sport. When we drew up the shortlist, Kate’s name jumped out at us on every level – passion, enthusiasm, visibility and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Kate on to the team and are certain that she will be a wonderful ambassador for Team Freespeed Virgin Active and all of our valued sponsors.”

For further press information please contact Virgin Active PR team at Beige on 020 7404 3000 or on virginactive@beigelondon.com

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