BY GEMMA WYATT

I am a triathlete.

Triathlon is an event that captivated me during the 2016 Olympics and the stories of the many athletes who performed are both inspiring and moving for a younger generation who hope to follow in their footsteps.

Triathlons are endurance events involving swimming, cycling and running.

To get your record at the end of the race, you are timed right from the start of the swim through to the end of the run, including transition. This is done using a timing chip on your ankle.

When coming out of the swim into transition you take off your hat and goggles, put on your helmet and get on your bike. Coming into transition from your bike, all you need to do is get off your bike before the dismount line and then run to your numbered position where you take off your helmet. The adrenalin is pumping and you are in the moment.

Doing a triathlon all sounds simple, but getting to the Olympics is a different story. Yes, athletes like Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee have succeeded in the Olympics, but they have had to go through both good and bad to get to where they are now.

To become Olympic standard, one is often put under extreme pressure with the training. It is easy and natural to get doubts and worries but this is all part of the journey.

Those who dream of the Olympics often have a role model to keep them motivated and someone who they can relate to.

For me, this is Alistair Brownlee. All my life I have had the dream of reaching the Olympics but I have to be committed and put in the work. I know that this will be worth it if I then have the opportunity to inspire others with a similar dream.

Olympians that have been inspired themselves in previous generations will go on to inspire others to leave their footprint on history