Thursfields sponsors triathlete now ranked No.1 in West Midlands for age group
A talented young Midlands triathlete who is currently ranked number one in the West Midlands for her age group is to be sponsored by Thursfields Solicitors.
Olive Thomas, aged 12, who attends Haybridge High School in Hagley, finished first in the West Midlands Regional Junior Series after coming first in four of the five ranking events, and second in the fifth.
Olive has been part of the West Midlands Tristar 2 Triathlon squad for the last two years, competing in aquathlons, duathlons and triathlons, which combine swimming, running and cycling.
She represented the West Midlands at the National Inter Regional Championships (IRCs) in Sunderland this summer, taking on the best triathletes from across the country as well as athletes from France and the Channel Islands.
Olive finished 15th in Great Britain in her age group as an individual and played a key role in the mixed relay success on day two.
Following the IRCs, Olive won the Regional Junior Series, with a convincing first place in the final race in September at Darley Moor Race Circuit.
Shane Miller, a director at Thursfields and head of Family Law department, said: “What an impressive triathlete Olive has become at the age of only 12.
“We are delighted to be involved in helping to meet her costs and look forward to watching her continued success in years to come.
“Here at Thursfields, we are very much a part of the community that we serve, and this is an exciting sponsorship project for us to get involved with and to put something back.”
Olive regularly has to buy multiple specialist sports items such as swimwear, trainers, carbon race bikes and trisuits. There are also entry fees, travelling and accommodation cost for events around the country, plus club, coaching and medical fees.
Olive’s father, Richard Thomas, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Thursfields for sponsoring Olive.
“Triathlon can be an expensive sport and as young athletes get older and develop they need more specialist professional equipment.
“Thursfields’ sponsorship could have a huge impact, and we’re so pleased to be involved with a local firm. Who knows – they might even be backing a future Olympian!”
Olive has always been a talented runner, competing at club level with Halesowen Cycling and Athletics Club, county level with Worcestershire, and regional level with the West Midlands.
She swims with Wyre Forest Swimming Club and is a member of Halesowen Tri Club, where she receives her general triathlon coaching.
Olive said: “I love training with Halesowen Tri and I can’t thank the coaches there enough.
“It’s a great group of people with very talented young athletes, and I’ve made lovely friends who all share the same ambition.”
Olive will also be representing her school, Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club, and Herefordshire and Worcestershire at cross country in a range of races over the winter.
She will then re-join the West Midlands Development Squad in December for their programme of winter training led by specialist British triathlon coaches.
Olive added: “I will be moving up to TriStar 3 where the distances get longer, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.
“The West Midlands coaching team are amazing and working with them over the winter is going to give me every chance of doing well next season.”
Sponsorship for Olive
Olive still needs more sponsorship and anyone interested can contact Mr Thomas on 01562 882008 or at richard@academicchoice.co.uk.
