Guernsey’s triathlon squad for Orkney 2025 now complete

Six men – including three Games first-timers – have now been named in the island’s triathlon team for Orkney 2025, following the quartet of women who were selected last autumn.

‘Newbies’ Dan Armsden, Ethan Woodhead and David Fairbrother join Guernsey 2023 competitors Dave Mosley, Chris Norman and Ove Svejstrup in this tranche of selections.

Guernsey’s top male triathletes were due to face off in a cold-water qualifier next month but, with several contenders withdrawing over injury or other commitments, this has now been dropped and an earlier selection made.

The result is still a team that Guernsey Triathlon are tipping to have 'a good chance at winning medals’.

‘I’m really excited about the prospects for our triathlon team in Orkney,’ team manager Alan Rowe said.

‘The final round of selections feature both debutants and athletes already experienced at this level.

‘The whole team is preparing well to be ready to represent Guernsey with pride and determination at what is likely to be a unique Island Games experience.’

Armsden is one of the two veterans, alongside Svejstrup, in the men’s team, and carries plenty of experience despite his Games first-timer status.

Fairbrother is a more recent addition to the domestic elite but showed his form by winning the season-opening Amarreurs Duathlon from Norman – despite having his training derailed last year by a bike crash.

Woodhead is the newest member of the triathlon family, having only competed in the sport for two years.

‘After spectating at the last Island Games, I knew it’s what I wanted to do,’ he said.

‘I’m so excited to be a part of the team and represent Guernsey in Orkney.’

The Guernsey squad, which will be supported by the Leonard Acott Foundation, also includes earlier selections Amy Critchlow, Chloe Truffitt, Hannah Kennedy and Lindsay Sword. The last two are Games triathlon debutantes.

Guernsey 2023 individual medallist Critchlow is the most experienced of all the triathletes selected and had publicly billed the home Games as her swansong.

With under four months remaining until race day, she added: ‘After the shortest-ever retirement from the Island Games, I’m very happy to be part of a really strong and youthful women’s team.

‘I hope my “veteran” experience can add to our success and we come away with another team medal and individual success.

‘This will be my fifth and definitely final Games and I’m really looking forward to the Orkney experience.’