Brothers inspire pupils to go for gold

The mini triathlon at the John Charles Centre in South Leeds was the inaugural event of the Brownlee Foundation – a charity set up by the duo to encourage more youngsters into sport.

Pupils from 80 primary schools across the city leapt at the chance to swim 50m, cycle 1,000m and run 500m – not to mention grabbing the autographs of the inspirational Horsforth brothers.

London 2012 and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Alistair, who first started competing in the multi-sport event aged around eight, said the experience had been “absolutely amazing”.

He said: “To see 1,200 kids from all over Leeds, all here and doing a triathlon is amazing.”

He said they hoped to have at least twice as many participants next year.

The duo teamed up with the British Triathlon Foundation Trust to run the event, with the foundation providing the bikes.

The Brownlee Foundation is supported by Leeds Active Schools and Morrisons.