With 60 days to go until the opening of Trinbago 2023, Team Scotland’s Triathlon athletes have now been confirmed to compete at the seventh Commonwealth Youth Games from 4-11 August this summer.

Jessica Heeps, 17, and Alex Robin, 16, have been selected for the individual event and mixed team relay and will compete for Team Scotland alongside athletes from the six other sports on the Trinidad and Tobago programme: Rugby 7s, Beach Volleyball, FAST5 Netball, Athletics, Cycling and Swimming.

The concept of the Youth Games was created by Scotland in 2000 with the aim of developing young athletes and giving them an early experience of an international multi-sport environment. The event now has a proven track record of uncovering future champions at senior level, with athletes such as Hannah Miley, Eilish McColgan and Josh Taylor competing at Youth Games before going on to senior success.

Triathlon makes its Commonwealth Youth Games debut at Trinbago 2023, and the athletes selected will be sure to step up to the challenge and aim to make their mark on the international stage. Triathlon has quickly risen in popularity over recent decades, securing its status as one of the world’s most iconic endurance sports, which at this Youth Games starts and concludes at Buccoo Beach Facility, Tobago.

Team Scotland 2023 will depart for Trinidad and Tobago on the 1^st August, ready to make the most of their first multi-sport Games experience and aiming to follow in the footsteps of previous Team Scotland Youth Games athletes.  

Congratulating the athletes on their selection, Chef de Mission, Chris Purdie, said, “I would like to welcome both Triathlon athletes to Team Scotland and to congratulate them on the hard work and dedication that has earned their selection. With just 60 days until Team Scotland march out at the Opening Ceremony of Trinbago 2023, the Games are becoming very real for all involved. I wish them all the best in their preparation and look forward to seeing them compete in Tobago.”

Fiona Lothian, Team Coach and Triathlon Scotland Head of Performance Pathways, said, “I am delighted for both Alex and Jessica on their selection for the Commonwealth Youth Games.”

“They have come from very different entry points into the sport, with Jessica transitioning from swimming over the last 12 months, and Alex coming through Fusion Triathlon Club having raced as a child before winning the British Triathlon Super Series rankings for his age group in 2021. This is an exciting opportunity for them to represent Team Scotland and gain international race experience.”

Jessica spoke of her excitement for the Games, saying: “I’m from a swimming background and have recently decided to concentrate more on triathlons, and am enjoying the challenge of racing the three disciplines together. I’m nervous but also so excited to have this opportunity to represent Scotland at such a big event and I can’t wait to be part of the relay as well as competing individually!”

Teammate Alex added: “I’m so happy to have qualified and have this opportunity to experience a large multisport games. It will hopefully serve as great practice for bigger and better things in the future.”

Athletes from the six other sports on the programme will be announced throughout June.