Saturday night 15th December was the night when MVH Triathletes looked back at the years achievements, revelled in the good times and shared hopes for the 2013 season.
The place to be was “The Worthington Room” at The National Brewery Museum and we were well spoilt – excellent meal, a bar in shouting distance and great music.
The evening was opened by MVH Chairman Jonathan Hydon who surprised us all with his memory for all stuff MVH Tri Club in 2012. Looking forward a great picture was painted for what looks to be a bumper MVH Triathlon year in 2013.
Jonathan then introduced Mick Skivvington, who was to present the 2012 trophies. Many in the club know Mick but how well did we really know him? Introduced as MVH’s Gold, Gold, and Bronze age group medalist at 2011 ETU Cross Triathlon, 2011 British Middle Championships and 2011 ITU World Championships respectively, Mick has competed with a GB tri suit on at least 8 times and in addition was awarded the East Midlands Sports Personality of the Year in 2012.
Mick took the microphone. The first thing you observe is that Mick is small in stature – so how did he achieve so much on the UK, European and World triathlon stage?
First thing we learned – 25 years of triathlons. First triathlon at Northampton – a 800m swim, 20km bike and a 5km run was completed in 2 hours 45 minutes with stops to eat sandwiches and enjoy a cup of tea on route. It was brilliant stuff. Practice, practice and a drive to constantly improve against his fellow age group athletes resulted in qualifying for GB age group team in 2008. The pride in being a GB athlete has seen Mick compete across Europe and further afield to Beijing and then in 2012 in Auckland New Zealand.
Mick’s passion for triathlon and the humble way he was encouraging others to achieve the pride of the GB trisuit was clearly infectious. You could sense all the triathletes in the room thinking – maybe I can, yes I can – bring it on!!
ITU London World Triathlon Championships 2013 – Hyde Park – MVH Triathletes have it in there collective sights…
The prize winning was a joy as the trophy winners walked up to a crescendo of accolades from their triathlon peers. Pride shining all over the place. Shake the hand of a world champion, raise the trophy, smile at the camera, chest out, walk back, great stuff…
The trophy’s awarded for the 2012 season are listed below: Raise your glass to the MVH Winners and runners up for 2012!
| Award |
Champion |
Runner Up |
| Club Championships (Male) |
Mick Skivington |
Jonny Fitton |
| Club Championships (Female) |
Anna Jaques |
Rachel Craft |
| Novice Championship (Male) |
Ed Johnson |
Alistair Gower |
| Novice Championship (Female) |
Jan Driscoll |
Donna Reid |
| Vets Championship (Male) |
Colin McLean |
Andy Crockford |
| Vets Championship (Female) |
Sandra Holden |
Mika Butler |
| Juniors Championship |
Hannah Brayer |
Rebecca Brayer |
| Aquathon Champion |
Ed Johnson |
– |
| Aquathon Handicap Champion |
Anna Jaques |
– |
| Sprint Distance Championship (Male) |
Nigel Elson |
Colin Day |
| Olympic Distance Championship (Male) |
Nigel Elson |
Ed Johnson |
| Middle Distance Championship (Male) |
Jonny Fitton |
Adrian Williamson |
| lronman Distance Championship (Male) |
Nigel Elson |
Paul Allsop |
| Sprint Distance Championship (Female) |
Rachel Craft |
Samantha Draper |
| Olympic Distance Championship (Female) |
No entries |
– |
| Middle Distance Championship (Female) |
Rachel Craft |
Mika Butler |
| lronman Distance Championship (Female) |
Stacey Welsh |
– |
There was one trophy left on the table: The Triathletes Triathlete. Voted for on the night by the triathletes present, the trophy patiently awaited the completion of the Christmas meal. Almost forgotten – but not quite, Warren Simms took to the floor and praising the many, the Warren affect succeeded in ensuring all felt a glow of appreciation for their efforts either competing or for making MVH a Tri club the success it was in 2012.
But who was to take the trophy home?
In 2012 – the Triathletes Triathlete was awarded to Colin McLean and he was chuffed – well chuffed.
The evening was closed following some expressive dance moves best forgotten until next year.
A superb evening!!
