Borders triathlete lands award for being good sport

The 71-year-old is an accomplished triathlete himself, but it’s his encouragement of others over the past decade that has earned him that accolade, handed out at the organisation’s 2020 annual awards.

Mike, co-owner with wife Stephanie, 64, of Hartree House, west of Broughton, only completed his first triathlon in 2011 at the age of 62, earning a place in the Great Britain age group team for the sport’s world championships in China later that year, but has qualified for every such world and European event since.

He’s also been keen to give something back to the sport he loves and has provided financial backing for aspiring athletes such as Grant Sheldon and 2018 Commonwealth Games medal-winner Marc Austin.

Mike was also involved in the creation of Edinburgh’s Hartree Jets triathlon squad in 2014 together with coach Joel Enoch.

His backing of more than £50,000 for the squad, named after his Hartree Estate home, has given more than 35 athletes access to a set-up regularly turning out world, European, British and Scottish champions.

Mike, involved with the squad for five years as headline sponsor and for four years as a participant, said: “My highlight of that time has been meeting and training with a group of lovely people.

“We have travelled the world together, from local triathlons to the world championship in Cozumel in Mexico, and it has always been an immense pleasure and honour to mix with such dedicated, fun-loving and hard-working individuals.

“We have shared many a tough training session and many iconic events.

“Joel Enoch’s professionalism and knowledge of the sport have been an inspiration to us all.

“As the main funder for the squad, I felt I was giving something back to Triathlon Scotland, an organisation that has to struggle on a shoestring for age group triathletes yet which gives so much to a huge number of young and old people.

“Unfortunately, the funding could not go on for ever, but I hope the little I gave helped a handful of elite age group triathletes experience some of the resources that the professional and elite triathletes are provided with.”

Jets head coach Joel added: “Mike’s contribution has been life-changing for dozens of athletes, and I believe he should be credited with this award to mark the support he has given to so many people over such a long time.

“He is a force for good in our sport, has changed so many lives and I am proud to know him.”