Sandra Ely represents Team GB on the world stage

Sandra Ely was delighted to represented Great Britain at the European Middle-Distance half ‘Ironman’ Championships in Pamplona, Spain in May.

Sandra has been competing in ‘Ironman’ competitions since 2008, but it has always been her dream to represent her country in this event. Sandra’s father represented England in the Empire Games and won a gold medal in the 4 x 400m track event when he was just 18. Her father’s achievement inspired Sandra through the hours of training required to compete at this level.

Sponsorship has raised over £8,200

As an exercise instructor at Cardiac Rehab in Alton Sandra generously agreed to ask for sponsorship for her half ‘Ironman’ event for the charity. Exercisers and supporters were inspired by Sandra’s effort and dedication and raised over £8,200 for new equipment, which has just been installed in the gym at Cardiac Rehab.

Sandra said, ‘the gym at Cardiac Rehab is at the heart of our work, helping local people lead better, healthier and longer lives through rehab exercise. We’re open 60 hours a week – so the equipment works as hard as the exercisers and it’s great to have been able to buy two new treadmills and two new recumbent bikes from the money raised through sponsorship.’

Sandra is representing Team GB in Qatar

Sandra has continued competing throughout the summer and her performance in the T100 competition in London on 10 August saw her qualify for the T100 world championships in Qatar on the 13 December. Sandra will once more be representing her country, wearing the Team GB kit as she completes a gruelling 2km swim, followed by an 80km bike ride and culminating in a race to the line in a 18km run.

Hearing she had qualified for the world championships Sandra said; “To represent my country once was a huge honour and long-term dream; to represent my country twice in one season is absolutely amazing and definitely not something I imagined would ever happen.”

Everyone at Cardiac Rehab wishes Sandra the best of luck in her final sporting challenge of the year.