Balancing Training and School

Hello everyone,

I'm Luke Holmes, a 17-year-old youth triathlete hailing from the beautiful Channel Island of Jersey. Balancing my passion for triathlons with the demands of A-Levels is no easy feat, but it's a challenge I willingly embrace. Today, I want to share a glimpse into my world, where the thrill of athletic competition collides with academic pursuits.

As the reigning Commonwealth Youth Games Triathlon Champion and British Super Series Triathlon champion in the youth age group, my life revolves around swimming, cycling, and running. Representing Jersey and Great Britain on the international stage has been a dream come true, but achieving success in the world of triathlons is no easy task, especially when coupled with the demands of A-Level studies.

Currently attending Hautlieu School in Jersey, I'm navigating the academic landscape while pursuing A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics, and Computing. It's a demanding schedule that requires meticulous planning and a lot of dedication, but the challenge is not without its rewards.

Triathlon, with its unique blend of endurance, speed, and strategy, have taught me valuable lessons. Time management, discipline, and resilience are more than just buzzwords; they are the cornerstones of my daily routine. Whether it's waking up before dawn for a swim session with the Jersey Tigers swimming club or hitting the books late into the evening after a hard training day, every moment is a stepping stone toward my twin goals.

One of the defining aspects of my triathlon journey is my passion for cycling. The feeling of the wind against your face can be exhilarating and therapeutic. The bike leg is where I often make my move, gaining crucial seconds that can make all the difference in a race. Riding is a also a great way for me to find time to switch off from studying and have time to rearrange my thoughts, to get away from the glare of the computer screen and staring at notes.

I recently embarked on a new chapter by adding professional run coaching to my plans. And who better to guide me than Olympian Lee Merrien from the other Channel Island, Guernsey. This winter, I've begun honing my running skills under his watchful eye, and the experience so far has been educational in itself. Working with Lee not only improves my performance but helps me understand what it takes to be the best in that discipline. Running can be great training for me to fit in during the day as it doesn't have to take up as much time as a typical swim or cycle session and it's quick and easy to get ready and hit the road for a run session. By including sessions during the day I can take a break and find myself better able to concentrate on my studies when I return.

Looking ahead, my ambitions extend beyond my current level in both studying and triathlon. I would like to attend university in the UK after completing my A-Levels, where I plan to continue to pursue my triathlon career alongside studies. The prospect of balancing higher education with the demands of elite-level competition is daunting but exciting. British Triathlon's Project 18 programme is designed to help athletes with their post 18 choices and to support us in the transition to work or further education alongside continuing triathlon ambitions.

I'm fortunate to have the opportunity in both academia and sport and to be able to continue to split my time between the two which not only gives me balance but also keeps lots of options open for me in future. Whether it's tackling mathematical problems or conquering the next triathlon race, each contributes to my growth as an individual. The synergy between my academic pursuits and triathlon ambitions provides balance but each also requires development of skills which are complementary and be carried across to the other.