PARATRIATHLON champion and Dame Allan's teacher Mike Salisbury will represent Great Britain when he competes against some of the best in the world this weekend.
Mike secured a spot at the World Triathlon Para Cup in Alhandra, Portugal, having won gold at both the British Paratriathlon Championships and the British Triathlon Grand Final within his classification this summer.
The 34-year-old is a full-time geography teacher and Assistant Head of Sixth Form at Dame Allan’s Schools,where he bikes to and from work each day to support his training regime.
He said: “This is my first international competition representing GB and I’ll be competing against some of the best para-triathletes in the world. This is very significant to me and I’m so grateful to be selected.”
Mike was born with a congenital limb defect to his left arm and competes within the PTS5 paratriathlon classification, which is for ambulant athletes with mild impairments.
He is ranked 36th in the world in his category and 2nd in the UK, behind George Peasgood who represented team GB at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio.
“My disability has never held me back, it has always just been part of who I am, but not a defining part of me,” said Mike.
“I’ve enjoyed sport my whole life - I’ve played rugby and I’m an active surfer - and this is the first time I’ve been involved in disability sport, so I certainly haven’t let it stop me from doing what I love.”
The paratriathlon event in Portugal will see Mike complete a 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run. He trains around Newcastle, both at his local pool and gym, and outdoors.
Mike entered his first triathlon just last year. He has since taken part in seven events in total, winning his most recent title at the September Grand Final in Mallory Park, Leicestershire.
“I’m relatively new to triathlon, but have trained hard. I am realistic about my weaknesses and focus on my strengths,” said Mike.
“It’s not just about being the fastest, it’s about being slick and quick during the transitions between disciplines and I’m working on that!”
Mike is also a fully-qualified mountain leader with World Challenge Expeditions and has led school trips to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Dame Allan’s supported him through his qualification.
Principal Will Scott said: “Mike is exceptionally driven and ambitious, and incredibly passionate about his triathlon eventing. We fully support him and wish him every success.”
