Latest update from Sport Newcastle scholar Calum Johnson

After my success at the U.23 World Championships in Cozumel, in September, I came back home to run in the first North East Harrier XC League. Achieving the quickest time of the day was a confidence boost as I headed off to compete in the European Triathlon Cup final in Turkey the following week.

After a decent swim the cycle phase was going quite well until a spectator walked on to the bike course and took myself and another athlete out. After spending the full evening in hospital, I was let out with a hefty bill and a very sore body. I didn’t do any serious damage, but enough to put me out of action for at least a month. I spent most of November recovering from the crash in Turkey.

By December I was able to start training properly and entered the Woodlawn Christmas Pudding run on Boxing Day. I took the win meaning I have won it three times now. I’m in a good position now and hope I can carry it forward into 2017.