Craig Bathgate
Chair
In 2014 whilst at the University of Stirling I started going along to their Triathlon Club with the aim of getting fitter. Within months I had relearnt how to swim and completed my first ever multi-sport event a Sprint Duathlon. Since 2014 I have continued to grow in my passion and enjoyment for the sport and so when I moved to Oxford at the end of 2019 joining the club was a no brainer.
Being part of Oxford Tri has allowed me to access numerous training sessions throughout the week which are led by our expert coaches and to be part of the Oxford Tri family. I have found this to be a diverse and incredibly kind group of people, the latter being particularly evident during the COVD-19 pandemic. I believe that training and socialising with my fellow clubmates helps me to maintain both my physical and mental health.
It’s an incredible privilege to be President of Oxford Tri and I believe that my experiences as President of the University of Stirling Triathlon Club and as Triathlon Chair for Scottish Student Sport will serve me well in this role. However, this club is nothing without its members, so if you would every like to contact me with regards to the club, please use our Contact Us section on the website or come say hello at a club session.
Eleanor Cameron
Treasurer
I wasn’t really a swimmer, a cyclist or a runner when I signed up to do the supersprint race at Blenheim in 2018. When we moved to Oxford I’d not found the high intensity gym classes I used to enjoy and so I ended up running, swimming and cycling instead. I loved the race at Blenheim and have now done lots of sprint distance triathlon races as well as some running, swimming and swimrun events. I hope to work up to Olympic distance triathlon before too long, if the general juggle of work, family life and avoiding injury allows. I love triathlon for the variety of ways to enjoy fitness and because it’s ok to feel like a jack of three trades and master of none!
Nathan Blake
Lead Coach
I cherish the moments when I can swim, cycle or run which I slip into my daily routines. I’m a Dad, husband, IT delivery manager, triathlete and I run a small triathlon coaching business as well as coaching at this amazing club. My coaching philosophy is to support and encourage an active, healthy and energetic lifestyle, challenge yourself and have a laugh on the way. Set a goal and give it a whirl, if you don’t try you’ll never know. Now get out there and have a blast!
Sarah Spruytenburg
Club Captain
I’ve been doing triathlons on and off for nearly 10 years now so I’ve picked up a bit of knowledge along the way. But as a triathlon career summary: In my very first triathlon my bike fell apart and I ended up in a bush and the last triathlon I competed in at the end of 2018 was for my country in the European middle distance championships in Ibiza, so it’s been a journey for sure and lots of laughs along the way.
I’m a big believer in you get out what you put in and with OxfordTri I’m happy to try to put in as much time as I can because it’s the most amazing club and I’m incredibly proud to be part of it. I’m on the committee and am one of the club captains and sorry yes you will also see my mug on the membership card 🙂 Please feel free to ask me anything about the club etc..
Zara Hannoun
Secretary
It all started with a run, followed by a few more runs and then an easy bike ride, then a few harder bike rides and oh why not… might as well swim now… and that is how I started doing triathlons. It is a slippery slope from doing a few triathlons to not being able to live without them 😀 Joining the OxfordTri Club just made the whole experience even better!
Jane Bell
Welfare Officer
I’ve been an Oxford Tri member for 15 years and a level 2 coach for much of that time. I love coaching swimming which is what I mainly coach. I am a general committee member and also the club Welfare Officer.
My triathlon “career” has taken me from sprint to half iron man racing and have been lucky enough to enjoy podiums in National, European and World competition. Never the less I havent forgotten the excitement, nerves and pure joy of completing my 1st triathlon and love supporting all levels of athletes – and all ages!
if you’re a new member I hope to meet you soon!
Grace Gilbert
Kit Officer/Social Sec
I took up triathlon in my final year at Durham University back in 2013 as something to do during my dissertation because doing hockey and netball just wasnt enough. I did my first tri at the BUCS sprint closely followed by the Blenheim Sprint… it didnt take much for me to well and truly catch “the bug” and I well and truly fell head over heels for all things swim bike run.
Wanting to get better at cycling I embarked on an unsupported cycled John O’Groats to Lands End, wanting to get better at running I went and did an ultra marathon.. these gave me a taste for endurance events, and I went down the slippery slope of Ironman. I have completed 8 full distance ironman events, snagging two podium finishes which took me to the Ironman World Champs in Kona, Hawai’i in 2022. I also race for Team GB Age Group squad in middle and long distance.
I joined Oxford tri in 2019 when I moved back home after five years in London, and the club has been completely invaluable in my development as a triathlete. Being surrounded by some of the best and most knowledgeable coaches, enthusiastic and welcoming athletes who are always willing to share experiences and tips, as well having a network of people to train with has made the world of different in my progression. I am a firm believers that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to, if you work hard, surround yourself with people who inspire you and drive you forward and enjoy he process along the way… at least, thats what worked for me!
I joined the club committee at in 2021 as kit sec, because who doesnt love stash?! But in all seriousness, I wanted to give back to the club. The members and coaches have helped me in my journey and I love doing my bit in return. I am always happy to offer help and advice and chat all things swim, bike, run and adventure related!
Liam Gilbert
Committee Member
I “officially” joined the club as a full member mid 2022, although I’ve been around since my wife, Grace, join in 2019 supporting her in various races, at the club cross country and helping at the lake. A rugby player at heart, and not much of a runner, I finally caved and joined as a fully fledged member. I have done 3 sprint distance tri’s and took part in the XC races this year, supported all of Grace’s ironman events, spectated many races and consider myself a pro bag carrier!
I mostly, almost exclusively, go to the Thame swimming session and the lake. When the summer arrives, I might be tempted to start leading social rides from Thame for those of us who arent focused on racing but just love a decent social and a bit of pedalling.
Lefteris Tatakis
Committee Member
I love the variability of triathlon, and how there is always something to learn and challenge yourself with. From improving your run speed or swim form, learning to ride a road bike, or finishing a big race.
For me, triathlon is all about the process of improvement and the endorphin kick. I usually set a goal, just go for it and see if my body lets me do it. Sometimes it works out, sometimes I learn for next time.
I joined the club in 2017, a year after my first triathlon.
Over this time I have learned so much from the club sessions I have participated in. In 2021 I got my Level 1 coaching certification to learn even more! Currently, I am working towards my Level 2 certification.
I am always happy to help out, and if I don’t know the answer myself I will try to point you to the right person. Looking forward to seeing you at some future OxfordTri sessions!