South Wales athletes raring to go for big sports week in Swansea
David and Kelly Hutin from Sketty will be tackling their first Ironman as part of the week's events
Pictured above: David and Kelly Hutin from Sketty will be doing the Ironman event (Photo: Swansea Council)
Athletes from across South Wales are preparing for a big international sporting week coming to Swansea.
Hundreds of them – like Swansea-based husband and wife David and Kelly Hutin - will be among the thousands who visit from Wales, all across Europe and internationally, to take part in the events between July 10 and 16.
The week will see Swansea host the free international spectator events Ironman 70.3 Swansea, 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea and the Para Sport Festival.
Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism, said: “Last summer’s inaugural events were hailed by many as a huge success, with a global spotlight falling on Swansea.
“It’s good to see Welsh athletes gearing up for another great week of sport.
“This year’s events will be held before the school summer holidays and will help to kick-start the area’s peak tourism period.
“Once again, the week-long Disability Sport Wales Para Sport Festival will offer accessible participation opportunities in activities such as swimming, cycling and running.
“The city will offer a warm welcome to the thousands of athletes and supporters who’ll be here.
“Event organisers are working with our communities on matter such as road arrangements to ensure the best possible experience for everybody.
“2023 is proving to be top class year of high-flying entertainment and sports events in Swansea."
David and Kelly Hutin, members of South Wales sports club Celtic Tri, are among those due to take part in Ironman.3 Swansea.
They’re training twice a day in the run-up.
This will be the Sketty couple’s first Ironman event, less than two years since they joined a triathlon club for the first time.
Having been married in summer 2021 and then started swimming together at Swansea’s Penlan Leisure Centre, they’d both joined Celtic Tri by early 2022 and have since entered triathlon events but not an Ironman event.
Kelly said: “We were both born and raised in Swansea and we wanted to make our home Ironman event our first, it’s on our doorstep after all.
“We know it’s going to be tough, especially the 56-mile cycle but we’re determined to complete the event and we know that all the participants will be cheered on by friends, relatives, workmates and supporters.”
David said: “Swansea and Gower lends itself to this type of spectacular event – our local natural landscape is world class.
“Last year we volunteered on the event’s feed stations, and we loved the buzz, professionalism and dedication that Ironman and the athletes brought to the event. It’ll be the same this summer.
“We were in awe of the athletes last year and have been inspired by them, and this time it’ll be a huge challenge to be among them.”
Ironman 70.3 Swansea will make its return on Sunday, July 16, with a middle-distance swim, bike, run event.
It will see around 2,000 athletes enjoy the outstanding natural beauty and dramatic coastal landscapes of the scenic coast.
The 2023 World Triathlon Para Series Swansea, on Saturday, July 15, is the headline event of the Disability Sport Wales’ Para Sport Festival (July 10-15).
It will bring some of the best paratriathletes in the world to the city to swim, bike and run, with the SA1 Waterfront providing a hub setting for the action.
