What a week it has been for Team Kennet athlete Chester Bailey, who has produced an incredible hat-trick of victories on the British Triathlon South Central Junior Series.
🥇 Guildford Aquathlon – 1st Place 🥇 Andover T1 Triathlon – 1st Place 🥇 Eton Dorney Open Water Triathlon – 1st Place
The hat-trick was completed today at the prestigious Eton Dorney Open Water Triathlon, where Chester crossed the line first in a field of 75 young athletes.
The performances have also earned valuable points in the British Triathlon South Central Junior Series, one of the region’s leading junior competition circuits.
One of the standout moments came at the Andover T1 Triathlon, where the organisers praised Chester’s performance, saying:
“MT returned to defend her crown successfully in the T1 Female category with Chester Bailey finishing in an eye watering sub-8 minutes!”
To win three events in the space of a week is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Chester’s hard work, determination and consistency.
Congratulations, Chester! Everyone at Team Kennet is incredibly proud of your achievements, and we look forward to seeing what the rest of the season has in store. 💙💛
Team Kennet is incredibly proud to celebrate one of the greatest achievements in the club’s recent history, as Chester Bailey returned from the 2026 European Biathle Championships in Machico, Madeira as a Double European Champion.
Representing Great Britain against the very best young athletes from across Europe, Chester produced two outstanding performances to claim two European gold medals, an incredible reward for months of dedication, hard work and determination.
His first European title came in the Under-11 Mixed Relay, where he partnered fellow Team GB athlete Pippa Burge. The pair raced brilliantly from start to finish, crossing the line to secure the gold medal and become European Champions.
Chester’s second gold medal completed a remarkable championships, confirming his status as one of Britain’s most exciting young endurance athletes.
“Chester travelled to Madeira in exceptional form. Earlier this season he was crowned GB Schools Biathlon Champion, finishing 1st from 76 competitors. He completed the 50m swim in 37.56 seconds before producing the fastest 800m run of the entire Year 5 Boys competition in an outstanding 2:27.05, securing the national title with 2,630 points. He had already won the European Championships qualification event to earn his place on the Great Britain team, making his double European gold the perfect reward for an incredible season.”
For everyone at Team Kennet, Chester’s success is especially rewarding. Many members have watched him develop through the club’s coaching programme, progressing from a promising young athlete into a national champion and now a European champion.
To represent Great Britain at any international championship is a tremendous achievement. To stand on the top step of the podium twice, listening to the national anthem and wearing two European gold medals, is something truly special.
Chester’s achievements also highlight the strength of Team Kennet’s junior athletes and demonstrate what can be achieved through commitment, perseverance and a love of sport. He has become an inspiration to many of our younger members who dream of following in his footsteps.
Everyone at Team Kennet would like to congratulate Chester on an unforgettable week in Madeira. We are immensely proud of everything he has achieved and look forward to watching his sporting journey continue in the years ahead.
Chester Bailey – 2026 Season Highlights
Double European Biathle Champion (Madeira)
European Mixed Relay Champion – Great Britain
GB Schools Biathlon Champion (Year 5 Boys)
Winner of the European Championships Qualifier
50m Swim – 37.56 seconds
Fastest 800m run at the GB Schools Finals – 2:27.05
Proudly representing Great Britain
Congratulations Chester – everyone at Team Kennet is incredibly proud of you!
Three Team Kennet athletes travelled to Leweston School in Sherborne, Dorset on Sunday to participate in the National Schools Biathle Championships. Biathle consists of a run, swim and run. Distances vary for each school year group.
First up was Elodie Burdett from St Gabriel’s School, Newbury for Year 5. Elodie started well entering transition in 3rd place and put in a good swim and her final run put her in 4th place. There were two heats for her age group due to larger number of participants so overall finished in 6th.
Penelope Lyth from Fir Tree Primary School for Year 6 had a strong start, leading the pack for the first 300m, two girls passed her just before transition and a solid swim got her out of the pool in 2nd and a strong final run allowed her to keep her 2nd place and a place on the podium.
Finally, Aaron Humphreys from Sherfield School for year 10. This heat was run with the Yr 11, 12 & 13 boys so he finished 6th overall which is a great achievement against older athletes but he also secured 2nd place for his year group.
Kirsten Fraser took part in the National Biathle Championships on 4 August at Salford Quays, Manchester. This was her first ever Biathle. A Biathle is a run, swim, run event with transitions.
As a result of winning the Under 13 girls event she has been selected to represent Great Britain in the mixed relay and individual event in St Petersburg, Florida in October.
