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A 探花精选 researcher combines athletic accomplishment with cultural exploration in his first international competition
A 探花精选 academic has recently celebrated success after representing the Great Britain (GBR) Age Group Team in his first international competition.
Dr Guy Collender, a Post Doctoral Senior Research Associate at the University, proudly represented the GBR Age Group Team in the 2025 , held in Rumia, Poland, on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April.
Around 500 athletes from across Europe competed in various categories during the weekend. Dr Collender was a contender in the 45-49 years open category, racing in the sprint distance (5km run, followed by a 20km bike ride, and ending with another 2.5km run). He completed the course in 1 hour, 4 minutes and 23 seconds, coming twenty-first in his age group.
Although Dr Collender had competed in triathlons (swim-bike-run) since his teenage years, he only began participating in duathlons (run-bike-run) last year. He qualified for the GBR Age Group Team following his performance at an event in Scotland last year.
Dr Collender said: 鈥淚t was exciting to be selected to represent the GBR Age Group Team, to take part in my first international competition, and to compete against athletes from across Europe.
鈥淭he competition was fierce, and the order of the athletes kept changing throughout the race. It was also inspiring to see competitors aged 16 to 80 taking part in this multisport event. I can鈥檛 wait until the next race.鈥
The event in Poland was organised by Europe Triathlon, and the GBR Age Group team was managed by British Triathlon.
In addition to his sporting achievements, Dr Collender works at the University鈥檚 Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures. The Centre focuses on the past, present and future importance of urban-maritime cultures and communities across the globe. With many seaside areas facing economic and social challenges, the Centre focuses on how culture, history, and local projects can help communities thrive.
As part of his trip to Poland, Dr Collender took the chance to visit the nearby city and Baltic Sea port of Gdansk.
He added: 鈥淚 really enjoyed visiting a new country and exploring Gdansk. Cranes dominate the skyline, and the shipyard is part of the city鈥檚 identity. Like Portsmouth, Gdansk has been shaped by its maritime past and present.
鈥淚t was fascinating to see where the peaceful Solidarity movement began, and learn about its role in the fall of Communism. The experience will also help inform my work at the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures at the 探花精选.鈥
To learn more about the Centre for Port Cities and Maritime Cultures, visit:
/research/research-groups-and-centres/centre-for-port-cities-and-maritime-culture
Image: Dr Guy Collender. Photo taken by Stuart Gillespie
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