Victoria Baker, a 33-year-old triathlete who lives in Lydbrook but grew up in Ross-on-Wye, won a gold medal at the Kitzbühel European Championships in Austria, on June 17th, representing Team GB.

During the race, Victoria swam 1.5k, cycled 42k, and ran 10k.

Mark and Julia Williamson, Victoria’s mum and stepdad, contacted the Ross Gazette after they arrived home on Wednesday, June 21st, to share Victoria’s news.

Julia commented that Victoria won the medal in the 30-34 age category. She added that Victoria used to train in Ross Swimming Pool until it closed for refurbishment. Victoria then began swimming at Monmouth, and became involved in their local triathlon club.

This is not the first European Triathlon that Victoria has taken part in. Last year, at the Lisbon ETU Triathlon European Championships, she won a silver medal in the 30-34 age category.

This year, Victoria completed the Kitzbühel ETU Triathlon European Championships in a time of 02:20:08.

Victoria told the Ross Gazette: “I did the European championships in Lisbon last year and got silver so my goal was to do one better, I didn’t think I would actually get gold. The course was really hilly so I think I benefited from living around here with lots of hills.”

She added: “I would like to thank Nic at Revolutions in Ross because the amount of times I have taken a broken bike to him and he has prioritised it and got it back up and running so I don’t miss a day’s training.”

She added that she is looking for sponsors to further her career, as she has pre-qualified for the Estonia ETU Triathlon European Championships for 2018 and she hopes to compete in the World Triathlon event, which will take place next year in Australia.

If you are interested in sponsoring Victoria, please email [email protected], and your details will be passed along.