BOLTON Triathlon Club member Don Whiley has just returned from representing Great Britain with a medal.

Whiley booked a place at the International Triathlon Union Age Group World Championships in Chicago after an impressive result finished sixth in his age-group in the triathlon at Belvoir Castle back in May.

Two months later he was invited to be part of the Great Britain team for the 50-54 year age group in Chicago.

He crossed the finish line in two hours 28minutes to take 86th position in his age-group.

Whiley said: "It was a truly amazing experience. The buzz around Chicago was electric with 4,000 athletes travelling from all over the world all meeting up to race each other.

"I spoke to many athletes from countries like Brazil, Mexico and Australia and it amazing how friendly and supportive everyone is of each other.

"To be honest it has to be ranked no 1 for experience. Pulling on the GB kit and racing for my country has to be my proudest sport moment.

"The race day was tough. The swim was in Lake Michigan harbour and on the day was rough water.

"The 1500m swim I completed with the lead pack in 23 mins but took a big effort against the rough conditions.

"The bike was an amazing 38K course and very fast which I completed in 61 minutes, the run section was around Millennium Park and was extremely hot with temperatures soaring above 25 degrees.

"I didn't cope well with the heat and struggled with this leg completing it in 55 minutes.

"Overall, it was a solid performance but not my best. With all things considered I'm happy with my effort as I had nothing left at the finish line and I am 86th in the World."

Whiley managed to get some sponsorship for Bolton Tri Club and local firms Champion Mouldings in Radcliffe and SRG Imports (Le Shark) in Whitefield (http://www.tokyolaundry.com/mens/collections/le-shark)to make the trip.

He admits that he was hoping for a higher position but the heat got to him on the run.

He said: "Winter training next with a training weekend planned in end of October in Hawes, North Yorkshire with my club mates at Bolton Tri.

"I have already signed up for ITU Leeds race June 12 and I will be looking at the BTF qualification races for next years European and World Championships in both Sprint and Standard distances."