‘I wasn’t sure I’d be able to run at all – now I’ll represent Team GB’

A hospital consultant is planning a summer of sport, after winning a place representing Team GB in a world championship.

Sophie West, a consultant radiologist at East Kent Hospitals, will compete in the 40-44 age group at both the European Multisport Championships in May and the World Multisport Championships Pontevedra in June, competing in the aquathlon for both.

Sophie has a rare metabolic disease that needs life-long treatment, and has also had multiple surgeries on her hips. She won a silver medal in the British Paratriathlon Championships earlier this year, but will be competing against able-bodied athletes at the contest in June. She also plans to take part in the British Triathlon Super Series, competing in at least three of the different events.

The 42-year-old, who lives in Ashford, said: “I am just going to do my best; that is all I can ever do.

“It is quite surreal to think about, especially considering my health issues.

“But exercise is my way to de-stress, and I absolutely love it. I am a complete exercise addict and I get up at 5am to train.”

Sophie balances working full time as a consultant in the NHS and caring for her two young children with her training, and is particularly aiming to improve her swimming times.

But she is also adding long-distance running training, after accepting a place in next year’s London Marathon.

She said: “It wasn’t something I was looking to do but they contacted me to see if I was interested in a place and they are in such demand it isn’t something you say no to.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have a place and so excited to take part, but I have to be realistic and accept that I will need to do a mixture of running and walking because of my health.

“It is about achieving a balance so I can finish it in a safe way – and without jeopardising my performance in the European and world championships.

“I never thought a marathon would be feasible – after my surgeries I wasn’t sure I would be able to run at all, so it is wonderful to have these opportunities.”

The aquathlon will involve a one-kilometre open water swim and a five-kilometre run, and Sophie will be training in a pool until the weather is warmer. Before the British Paratriathlon Championships she had to spend a night in hospital with swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (a build-up of fluid on her lungs) after a training swim in open water.

For the marathon, Sophie will have a support runner to help her pace herself and avoid injury.

She said: “We are working together now to increase the distance, and I’m lucky to have a lot of support from my colleagues, including one who is a physiotherapist who is fantastic at giving me advice.

“I never imagined I would be doing this, but I try to have an attitude of ‘but what if I can?’. Trying and failing is always better than not trying at all, and any movement is good for your body.”