Inspirational Performance of the Year: Dylan Donaldson – Grangemouth Triathlon Club

Dylan Donaldson is your 2024 Triathlon Scotland Award winner for the Inspirational Performance of the Year. 

How does a boy go from swimming one length of freestyle in 39 seconds at a Disability Sports Event to participating in a Youth Triathlon in just 11 months? The answer lies in joining The Wee Club With A Big Heart!

For Dylan, who has a learning disability, grasping new skills can take a little longer compared to others. However, his journey took a transformative turn when he joined the Grangemouth Triathlon Club. Known for its family-focused approach, where parents often train alongside their children, the club provided an ideal environment for Dylan, who struggles with peer relationships.

Before joining, Dylan’s parents spoke with the club, explaining the challenges posed by his disabilities. The club was delighted to have the opportunity to work with him. Equipped with detailed information to help coach Dylan, the club welcomed him to a taster session, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Encouraged by this positive experience, Dylan’s family decided to sign him up.

Dylan’s first triathlon was the Bishopbriggs Big Bobble Hats Triathlon, an early-season event known for its supportive environment. The event features an indoor pool for the swim section, and closed roads for the bike and run segments, ensuring safety for all participants.

Competing as a Tristar 3, Dylan faced the challenge of swimming 12 lengths in the pool, biking 5 km, and running 2.4 km. Despite the difficulty, he looked confident as he prepared for the swim. However, nerves were high as the race began. As other competitors finished their 12 lengths, Dylan, who had been lapped twice, still had four more to go. The next heat was ready to start. His family, willing him on with all their heart, cheered as he reached the halfway point of his last length. Their encouragement, echoed by the cheers of the other competitors waiting for their turn, filled the air. Dylan emerged from the pool, smiling amidst the applause.

Next was the bike section. Anticipating Dylan’s difficulty in remembering the routes, Norman Lacey, a club member familiar to Dylan, volunteered to act as his guide. Norman met Dylan at the pool exit, and together they proceeded to the bike transition. With a visual aid prepared by his parents to remind him of the steps—particularly to get his bike last—Dylan joyfully danced on his foot towel while putting on his shoes. With determination, he completed the 5 km bike loop, appearing focused as he passed by his cheering family. Norman guided him to dismount appropriately and transition to the run.

Running longer distances posed a challenge due to Dylan’s love for sprinting. True to form, he alternated between running, walking, and sprinting, keeping Norman on his toes. In a showman’s style, Dylan sprinted to the finish line, his name announced over the tannoy, greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of the Grangemouth team. Crossing the finish line with a broad smile, Dylan’s joy was palpable.

Dylan’s story is a testament to the inclusive spirit of triathlon. His journey from a Disability Sports Event to completing a Youth Triathlon showcases the potential in everyone, regardless of their challenges. His participation and success are not just personal victories but an inspiration for others with learning disabilities to embrace the sport.

Dylan’s journey with the Grangemouth Triathlon Club exemplifies how a supportive community and a big heart can make all the difference. We hope his story encourages many more to take up triathlon and experience the joy and fulfilment it brings.