Prior Pursglove student Matthew Downes secures place in world championships aquathlon team

The talented athlete, who is currently studying Geography, Geology and Biology, will compete against 26 elite athletes from every continent in what promises to be an intensely competitive international event.

The World Championships will take place in Pontevedra, located on Spain's Atlantic Coast in the northwest of the country. Matthew will face the gruelling challenge of a one-kilometre open water swim followed immediately by a five-kilometre run, with his personal best times of just under 15 minutes for the swim and just over 15 minutes for the run demonstrating the exceptional level of fitness required for this demanding sport.

A route to success

Matthew's journey to international recognition began at the age of eight when his father introduced him to the sport through Cleveland Triathlon Club. What started as a family interest has evolved into a passion that has sustained him through more than a decade of dedicated training and competition. Despite facing significant challenges, including a two-year period during the pandemic when no races took place and various injuries along the way, Matthew's determination to continue has ultimately led to this extraordinary achievement.

"When you think back to when the journey started, I think obviously pride and just thankful I just kept going all the way through," Matthew reflects. "There were obviously times when COVID happened and there were no races for two years, or you've been injured or whatever, and it feels like it was worth just riding out all those harder periods."

The young athlete's commitment extends beyond his personal achievements. Since the age of eight, Matthew has been an active member of New Marske Harriers, progressing through the minors and juniors programmes before advancing to compete at senior level. He now travels throughout the country representing his club in long-distance events, but perhaps most remarkably, he has chosen to give back to the sport that has given him so much by coaching the club's youngest members aged eight to ten.

His dedication to nurturing the next generation of athletes demonstrates the mature and well-rounded character that has also contributed to his academic success. Matthew recently completed an Extended Project Qualification alongside his A-level studies and has secured an offer to read Geography at Cambridge University, where he hopes to specialise in either flood management or volcanic risk management.

"I'm open to all avenues really, but at the minute I'm leaning towards either flood management or volcanic risk management," Matthew explains when discussing his future career aspirations.

“Give it a go”

For aspiring athletes looking to follow in Matthew's footsteps, his advice is both practical and encouraging. "I think the first one is definitely just give it a go, like jump in at the deep end and just give it a go. There are so many good places around here, like Cleveland Tri Club or for running New Marske Harriers as well. Just the number of clubs and people who can support you - the infrastructure is there to help you give it a go. And yeah, just try and don't give it up basically would be my advice."

Matthew acknowledges the crucial support he has received throughout his journey, particularly from his parents who transported him to competitions until he passed his driving test last year, and from the coaches at both New Marske Harriers and Cleveland Triathlon Club who have helped develop his athletic abilities and race experience.

His achievement represents not only personal success but also demonstrates the excellence that Atomix Educational Trust students can achieve when they combine academic rigour with passionate commitment to their chosen pursuits. Matthew's story exemplifies how sustained dedication, resilience in the face of setbacks, and the support of family and community can lead to extraordinary opportunities on the world stage.

As Matthew prepares to don his official Great Britain trisuit emblazoned with Prior Pursglove College across the front, he carries with him the hopes and pride of his college, his running club, and his local community. His journey from an eight-year-old trying a new sport to representing his country at the World Championships serves as an inspiration to young people everywhere that with determination and perseverance, remarkable goals can be achieved.

Find out more about Prior Pursglove College here.