Reigning Olympic Champion Alex Yee is going back to his roots to inspire the next generation of triathletes with his latest venture.
The British triathlon superstar returned to his hometown in Lewisham last week to launch The Alex Yee Triathlon, with nearly 1,000 children taking part.
Yee, who was born and raised in the area and has an Arena named after him in Ladywell, is the most successful triathlete in Olympic history with four medals in all, including two gold. Now he’s giving something back.
“Empowering young people”
He posted on Instagram: “I am so excited to say we had the 1st Lewisham to the World charity event today: The Alex Yee Triathlon.
“The charity is aimed at empowering the young people of Lewisham to find their purpose using success stories from the very same people who grew up in their community!
“Triathlon was, and still is that purpose for me, so 757 children!!! were able to try that today but more importantly, also walk away with 13 different activities across music, drama and a plethora of other sports and performing arts they can try for free over the summer to help them open their mind to possibility, be curious and assist them in finding there purpose at as young as possible age!”
Yee, who ran the London Marathon in April, signed autographs for the kids and ran with them on the course.
Mayor’s Achievement
Earlier in his career he represented Lewisham at the London Youth Games and the London Mini Marathon and was awarded bursaries from the Council to support him with travel expenses for meets and competitions.
In 2012 he was awarded the Mayor’s Special Achievement Award at the Lewisham Sport Awards.
And he says there are more events to come as he hopes the charity goes from strength to strength with the help of other local figures.
He wrote: “We can’t wait to keep on reimagining new opportunities for the young people of Lewisham and implore any other successful individuals from Lewisham to get involved! Together we rise!”
Yee’s long-term goal is defending is title at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and rounded off last week with some pacing at a 5,000m track event and a Royal Box appearance at Wimbledon.
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