Jake Keast at the World Championships this morning.

Podium finish in World Triathlon Duathlon Championships for Exeter Medical Student

University of Exeter medical student has today (Thursday June 10) clinched third place in the World Triathlon Duathlon Championships in Targu Mures, Romania.

Jake Keast, a former English Duathlon Champion, recorded a time of 01:54:54 across a three-stage event (10km run, 40km cycle and 5km run) in the 20-24 age category to finish in third place behind Great Britain compatriot, Joshua Thomas and Polish triathlete, Przemysław Gaj this morning.

The 2nd year medical student, whose triathlon journey started in 2017 when he joined the University of Exeter as a Biological Sciences student, has had to contend with a string of injuries in the last nine months and was extremely delighted to make a podium finish.

Jake 23, who lives in Truro, said: “It feels great to have a podium finish! I ran as good a race as I could have hoped after a string of quite severe injuries over the last 9 months including a dislocated knee, Deep Vein Thrombosis, and broken collar bone. It feels great to have been able to put in 6-8 weeks of training and feel the fitness again! I can’t believe how fun it was, and the result on top of it makes it really special.”

The 23 year old from Warwick is also the founder of Truro Triathlon Club, a community club he founded in January 2022 when he moved to the Truro campus to continue his medical degree. Jake who has always viewed the club as a source of wellbeing for not only his clients but himself was quick to acknowledge their support in helping him prepare for the championship despite his injury setbacks.

“The JK Journey and Truro Triathlon Club have been great incentives for me to get through my injuries. I really enjoy trying to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, and to be able to do what I do both in Medicine and this really is a privilege. I’m self-coached with occasional inputs from professionals, and so The JK Journey in this sense is personal to myself as well, I really try to live by the values we put across.”

Jake, who concluded his medical exams just in time to fly out for the World Championships has barely had much rest and is relishing the summer ahead. “Some time to sleep will be very much appreciated after travelling and waking up at 4:30AM Romanian time (2:30am) UK time today to get to the race venue from the hotel,” he said. “I also have a few more days to explore the country and then I’m looking forward to a more relaxed summer before 3rd year starts off.”

Date: 10 June 2022