Jon Brown
Chairman
 

After retiring from 33 years playing rugby, I took up marathons and ultra running.  

I got such a buzz from the training I wanted to help others into endurance events.  

I qualified as a PT & Level 2 Triathlon Coach along with taking my Level 2 UKA Coaching Certificate. 

Whilst undertaking these qualifications, I set up some group coaching and JBR was born.

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I'm also a qualified ASA Level One swimming teacher, a Level 4 Sports Massage Therapist and a qualified First Aider.  

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Favourite word: "Awesome"

Favourite drink: Soda water and blackcurrant

Favourite film: Once upon a time in America

Favourite quote: "I am not here to build sandcastles, I am here to build machines"

Dave Jacobs
Mens Captain
 

Having had sport in my life from a very young age I’ve always been involved in team events.

After going to the Olympics in 2012, I wanted a challenge and it was suggested to me by a family member to do an Ironman. ( what ever that was).

A few years later I found myself a member of JBR and I’ve managed to achieve the goals I had set myself with the help of the coaches and members of the club.

They say that triathlon is an individual sport but with all the members behind you, it a team effort. all round and no matter what your ability may be.

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Favourite word: 'I don't really have one'

Favourite drink: Dark Rum

Favourite film: The Fifth Element

Favourite quote: "I am just a squirrel, trying to get a nut."

Jacky Green
Membership Secretary 

 

Hi, I’m Jacky and I’ve been a member of JBR since January 2018 and Club Membership Secretary since April 2023.

I didn’t stumble on triathlon by chance, it’s something I had always wanted to do, so when a friend at work told me about this great triathlon club called JBR and suggested I give it a go, I thought why not… after all, I could run (I’ve always enjoyed running, I was that strange girl at school that use to love Cross Country!) I did own a bike and I’d ridden a few sportives and taken part in a couple of overseas charity events, and I could swim (albeit, only 25m before I was exhausted, and my technique left a lot to be desired!)

So, on a cold January evening, I popped along to Clements Hall to the JBR swim session and I’ve never looked back. I’m now completing triathlon at all distances… including IronMan! And none of that would’ve been possible without the support and encouragement of everyone in the club.

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It’s not all about triathlon either, we have members taking part in all sorts of events (aquathon, swim/run, cold water swimming) so there definitely is something for everyone.

I don’t know where the time has gone, but training sessions still feel as exciting now as they did when I first joined. Joining JBR was one of the best things I ever did, we are one big happy family. I’m sure you will love it as much as I do.

Favourite word: Excellent

Favourite drink: Decaf Tea

Favourite film: Don’t really have one… there as so many great films

Favourite quote: It always seems impossible until it is done

Kate Walsh
Race Secretary

In 2016 feeling as though I had zero fitness after having 2 kids, I joined a local spin class mainly to try and shed a few pounds. The spin instructor and my boss at the time were both keen triathletes and I ended up getting the idea that I could give a triathlon a go despite having no sporting background and not owning a bike or any running shoes!

Fast forward to June 2018 when I took part in the Southend triathlon and came across a large group from a local Tri club all wearing black and blue and looking as though they were having a great time. This was of course JBR, I joined them and haven’t looked back.

Since then with the help of regular training sessions with JBR I’ve continued to improve and have been proud to represent GB at both Olympic and Middle Distance. I love racing and my main aim as race secretary is to encourage as many members as possible to join club races and events and celebrate all their achievements.

Favourite word: Yes
Favourite drink: Coffee
Favourite film: Ocean’s 11
Favourite quote: “80% of success is showing up”
 

Craig Brittney
Vice Chairman
 

Hi, I’m Craig. I joined JBR in 2021. Before getting into triathlons between the ages 16-43 I played and coached American Football. That explains why I’m so physically broken.  But triathlon was something that interested me as I contemplated retirement from my sport. I joined JBR at the end of Covid as I wanted to improve in all elements but especially as running and swimming didn't come easy to me (they still don’t) but through attending JBR training sessions and with the clubs brilliant coaching (and physio) I’ve managed to improve little by little. 

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In 2021 I completed a 70.3 but have also completed smaller local events. In 2022 I completed The London Marathon (slightly injured ) and in 2023 I completed my 2 mile swim serpentine to get my classics medal. Since joining the club, every year I am left in awe of the club members achievements and enjoy seeing them receive awards at the Club awards night.  

I am extremely honoured to be starting in the position of Vice Chairman and aim to continue the great work that has been done before me by the previous holder of the role and in order not to be a fraud whilst Vice Chairman I am training for my own full Ironman in 2024. 

Since joining JBR I have found the same team vibe that I had from my playing days, the support at events or at training from the club members is amazing. I absolutely love this club and its members and I look forward to helping the club and everyone in it, however I can.​

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Favourite word: "Boom"

Favourite drink: Rum and coke

Favourite film: Shaun of the Dead

Favourite quote: "Living the dream"

Jennie Pennington
Ladies Captain
 

My name is Jennie Pennington and I am your Ladies Captain. I have been doing triathlons for about 6 years now. Originally I was a runner and transferred over due to continued back issues. Part of my rehab was swimming, then I just added the other sports in. I am lucky enough to have represented the GB Age group team at Olympic Distance and the 70.3.  It’s an amazing experience and you feel honoured!  My favourite distances are the 70.3 and the Full Ironman distances.

I love being part of the JBR Tri club, we all support each other, encourage, believe in one another, it really does have that unique family vibe! So what ever your journey or your goals, come and have a chat with me, I would love to say hello! Finally a huge BIG welcome to our club! 

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Favourite word: "Fab"

Favourite drink: Coffee

Favourite film: Elf

Favourite quote: "Be like a Sunflower, stand strong, tall and follow the sunshine."

Phil Coombe

Club Treasurer

Not coming from a sporting background I decided to give OW swimming and triathlon a go completing my first sprint triathlon in 2015. Eager to repeat this experience I discovered the JBR beginners Triathlon course  in 2016 at my local gym, and whilst dodgy knees have kind of put paid to running, I found a love for swimming and eagerly joined JBR. Since then I have been lucky enough to meet like-minded people and not only have I rekindled my enjoyment on the bike, but found a talent for marathon swimming; having since gone on to complete a Channel Relay, end to end of Lake Windermere, The Bosporus, Thames Marathon and many other 10K + swimming events. I still like to dip my toe in the triathlon world and very much enjoy the Aqua bike discipline and relay elements of triathlon. My next events include swimming Lake Leman in Geneva and having another crack at the Ice Mile. Having been in the club for a while I feel it is high time to give something back and knowing how friendly this club is, becoming social secretary seems a no brainer.  Hope to see many of you dressed in something other than Lycra with a drink in your hand at some point soon!






















 

Steph Milligan
Kit Manager

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Hello, I am Steph. I joined JBR back in 2017. The club has been great for me, making friendships, training in a group and getting advice, hints and tips! When taking part in events there will always be JBR members cheering you on, which is brilliant. Since joining, the club has supported me in triathlon events, a relay swim of the English Channel and representing the GB age group team in an Aquabike event to name a few.

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I stepped up for the role of kit officer as I wanted to give something back to the club that gives so much to me and become more involved and help out where I can.

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My first tri was in 2010 at Dorney lake. After that I was hooked. 2012 I completed my first Ironman in Lanzarote. 2013 I completed my second Ironman in Austria.

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So if you are just starting out with triathlon, this club is the best place for you to be! You will be amazed at what you are capable of with the support of JBR.

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Favourite drink: G&T

Favourite film: I have loads that I love I can’t choose!

Favourite quote: "Get the job done"

Karen Saltwell
Club Secretary and Fundraiser
 

I come from a swimming background. In my youth I won Essex titles, Southern Counties and reached many National Finals to name but a few of my achievements.  I came within 0.3 seconds of qualifying to swim for England during the European Youth Trials. 

My swim passion took me in to my career as a swim teacher/coach from the age of 18 but after a time away from the sport, I felt the need to start swim training again and was recommended to Jon.

I came along to the Tri Club and never looked back. It's been great being here from the start and watching the club grow.  As one of the Club Coaches, it's a great opportunity to share my love of swimming in particular.  

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The furthest swim I have done to date is 24km.  I have also completed a relay swim of The English Channel and have represented Team GB in my age group in the Aquabike event.  

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I qualified many years ago as an Advanced ASA Teacher, as well as ASA Coach, Aquafit and Parent & Baby.  I also have a STA Higher Qualification, am a qualified lifesaver, First Aider and recently added Aquaphobia and Level One Triathlon Coach to my CV.  

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Favourite word: "Amazing"

Favourite drink: Mudslide (holiday drink)

Favourite film: Ghost

Favourite quote: "Never say never.'

Richard Wood
Welfare Secretary
 

After completing various charity challenges for Macmillan, I soon realised I had a taste for the endurance game and it was suggested to me to take on a triathlon.

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I joined JBR in it's infant stages back in 2015 with this in mind and realised pretty soon it was the sport for me.

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I took on the role of Welfare Officer early in 2022 and now sit on The Committee.  I've completed courses associated with this role and have experience in helping others through my occupation.  And I am always available to listen.

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JBR is a wonderful club to be a part of and it is very welcoming to new members whether you are looking for something new to do socially or wish to become a top end athlete.  JBR can help you with both.  

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Kerry Enderby
Social Secretary

 

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