October 2023
Ollie's Story
By Ollie Greensill
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Ollie Greensill
Triumphing at triathlon
The sports facilities at University College Birmingham proved too hard to resist for Great Britain triathlete Ollie Greensill.
“They are state-of-the-art,” said Ollie, who started his degree as the facilities, which include a cutting-edge gym and Human Performance Laboratory, were being built. But just as the amenities played a huge role in his elite training, so did his lecturers.
“The staff at the University contributed no end with helping achieve my goals, both in and out of the university environment, whether that be during lectures or giving me advice on how to tackle a certain challenge I was facing during my training week."
Called up to the Great Britain Age-Group team at the World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, in September 2023, barely two years after his first triathlon, Ollie is enjoying improving and learning about his sport – the sprint format – which is fast and intense, consisting of a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run.
“It excites me that I am still very new to the sport and have a lot to learn over the next few years," he said. "I have got my first full distance Ironman coming up, which I must admit scares me a little. However, it also gets me very excited!”
A typical week of training consists of around 15 hours, including all three disciplines, and a few visits to the gym for strength and mobility work. “I am fortunate enough to have a coach who sets, progresses and periodises my training week on week,” said Ollie, who worked as an exercise instructor at I-Motion Gym during his degree and is now a police officer.
“My ultimate goal with triathlon is to take it as far as possible."