Search
shop

British Triathlon teams up with Leeds Beckett University for testing programme

The Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University recently saw over 20 young British elite triathletes undertake cardiac screening
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Elite British triathletes have been given the very best preparation ahead of a busy sporting calendar thanks to Leeds Beckett University’s state-of-the-art facilities.

More than 20 youth triathletes have attended the University’s Carnegie School of Sport for their athlete pre-participation examination. Carnegie School of Sport’s rigorous health and safety protocols have enabled it to offer the clinics on behalf of governing body British Triathlon. 

Athletes taking part in the screening have completed an online pre-participation questionnaire. This is followed by an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check their heart’s rhythm and electrical activity and a physical examination by a medical practitioner at the Carnegie School of Sports new building at Leeds Beckett’s Headingley campus.

Leeds Beckett University / British Triathlon

John O’Hara, Professor in Sport and Exercise Physiology at Leeds Beckett, is leading on the development of the cardiac screening clinics with support from specialist academics from the Carnegie School of Sport and external medical experts who are part of its broader academic community. Professor O’Hara said the screening clinics built on an already established partnership with British Triathlon.

He said: “Leeds Beckett University is a leading centre for triathlon with our own club being an integral part of the Leeds Triathlon Centre, along with British Triathlon and University of Leeds. We are proud to support health in athletes and play a continued key role as an anchor institution with world class facilities alongside a national elite programme.”

Leeds Beckett University / British Triathlon

Costas Tsakirides, Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Leeds Beckett, added: “Cardiac screening is an important aspect of maintaining safe participation in sport as it gives us the opportunity for early detection of signs of cardiovascular abnormalities which, if not addressed, may increase the athlete’s risk of sudden cardiac death. Once identified, any abnormalities will then be followed up and investigated and appropriate measures will be taken to ensure the safety of these young athletes. For elite athletes, including those competing in triathlon, this screening process has to be completed every one to two years to allow them to compete internationally.

“We are pleased to be offering this crucial service and giving these talented triathletes the best possible preparation ahead of what promises to be a busy year.”  

British Triathlon Performance Director, Mike Cavendish, said: “We have a long and successful relationship with Leeds Beckett University, and it’s been great to work alongside them again. This screening is key for any athlete to ensure they are in the best possible condition to train and compete.”

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Sam Laidlow Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Laidlow prompts groundbreaking move as Race Ranger data will be made public
Kat Matthews IRONMAN Texas Finish Line 2025
Kat Matthews and Magnus Ditlev top 70.3 Swansea fields as IRONMAN Pro Series heads to Wales
Kristian Blummenfelt Kristian Hogenhaug Casper Stornes IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
Triathlon GOAT Mark Allen sends “great champions” message to red-hot superstar Kristian Blummenfelt
Zachary Josie bike
Age-group athlete with dwarfism says INCREDIBLE goal is “in his grasp” at Challenge Roth
Joe Skipper finished fifth at Challenge Roth 2023
Challenge Roth 2025: Triathlon star Joe Skipper comes back from the brink for another shot at iconic race
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

Share to...