Search
shop

‘I don’t see why I can’t mix it with the top boys’ – Sheldon aims high

Birmingham will be Grant Sheldon's third Commonwealth Games - and he's hoping his best yet
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Grant Sheldon is relishing a special week as he looks ahead to his third Commonwealth Games. 

The 27-year-old Scot may only race once between now and the Games in Birmingham on July 29 such is his focus on the event. 

And Sheldon, who represented Scotland at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018, believes the Birmingham race will give him a chance to “mix it with the top boys”. 

He said: “It was pretty special to get the call-up.  

“My first one was eight years ago in my hometown, my home park as a young 19-year-old. It was a pretty surreal race. 

Advertisement

Fiercely patriotic

“Eight years later, I have been lucky enough to do that same thing for all that time. 

“Representing Scotland is the best thing about being an athlete. We’re definitely patriotic and love wearing that saltire on our chests. 

“It will be a special week and I’m really looking forward to it.” 

Grant Sheldon WTCS Leeds Photo credit World Triathlon Tommy Zaferes
Grant Sheldon at WTCS Leeds [Photo credit World Triathlon Tommy Zaferes]

Sheldon finished 40th in the individual Leeds WTCS race and then helped GB to silver in the Mixed Relay event

He said: “Hopefully, Leeds can be a stepping stone. I know what I need to work on. 

“I’ll get my head down. I will maybe do one more race between now and then [Birmingham], but it’s all going to be hard work and working on my weaknesses.” 

Mixing it with the ‘top boys’

While he will be further from home than on his Commonwealth debut in 2014, Sheldon still expects to have plenty of support. 

He said: “I don’t think it will live up to Glasgow, but that’s probably just me being a Scotsman!

“Hopefully, I will have lots of friends and family down there.. You look at the Leeds race and all the British support for triathlon, it’s quite special. 

“I think it will be a really good day in Birmingham.” 

Sheldon finished 14th in Glasgow and 17th at Gold Coast, but wants to be at the sharp end this time around. 

He said: “The sport has definitely changed. It’s a lot faster, a lot more aggressive. 

“With it being a sprint distance, the heat is really going to be on. 

“The good thing is that it’s a small field, although I think the depth this year is probably the best it ever has been. 

“It will be a true race, a true swim, bike, run ability rather than a fight, bike, run. I think that will play to my strengths a little bit. 

“On some good run form, I don’t see why I can’t mix it with the top boys.” 

Written by
Ed Mezzetti
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
Morgan Pearson run T100 San Francisco 2025
Morgan Pearson born to run – ‘maybe I’m the T100 X Factor with a lot to prove’
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...