Thursday 3 May 2012 After being hit by an uninsured driver whilst out cycling, talented Leeds triathlete Gordon Benson was left unharmed but with his bike beyond repair. Gordon, an Upper Sixth student at the Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL), was unable to continue with his training and faced mounting travel costs for competitions. The accident looked set to knock him off track, until GSAL rallied support to get him back in the saddle and on his way to qualifying for the Olympic Games 2016. Over £1500 was raised to fund Gordon’s new bike, thanks to a generous donation from Mr David Newett, a GSAL parent who is keen to support sport within the School, and funds contributed by GSAL. Director of Sport, Paul Morris, explained, “After hearing about Gordon’s accident we immediately wanted to help him find the funds for a new bike. We are all extremely proud of Gordon and his commitment to his sport, and judging by his continued success in every competition he takes part in, we have great hopes that he will qualify for the Olympics 2016.” The money raised will also help fund Gordon’s travel to international competitions. Having recently competed in Spain, Israel and Portugal, Gordon’s next big challenge is the world famous Canary Wharf Triathlon in June. Gordon said, “Not being able to train after the accident was a really worrying time for me, and I am extremely grateful to Mr Newett and GSAL for enabling me to get back on my bike and continue with my triathlon training. Working with the Brownlee brothers is really inspiring and to represent team GB at the Olympic Games 2016 would be an absolute dream for me.” Training regularly with famous local boys and fellow triathletes the Brownlee brothers, Gordon, at just 17 years old, is turning out to be quite a triathlon force, coming 10th in the World Junior Triathlon Championships last year in Beijing. Senior School Sixth Form News
