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A member of staff at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is preparing to compete on the world stage after being selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 World Triathlon Long Distance Aquabike Championships in Abu Dhabi.

James Moore on the podium in position one in the British Championsips

James Moore, who works at UWTSD’s Institute of Management and Health, will compete in the Men’s 50–54 Open Age-Group Long Distance Aquabike category on 22 November, adding another international milestone to an impressive sporting journey that has seen him progress from a beginner to becoming British Champion.

James first took up triathlon in 2016–17, following years of voluntary coaching in junior sport around Carmarthen. At the time, he could not swim, did not own a bike and had not competed in running since he was very young.

Determined to improve, he quickly began making his mark in the sport, finishing third in the Welsh Super Series in 2018 and second in 2019.

Following the pandemic, James set his sights on competing at an international level. His dedication has since seen him qualify for the British Triathlon team, representing Great Britain since 2024.

His achievements include finishing in the top 10 in Europe in both 2025 and 2026, becoming Welsh Champion in 2025 and representing Team Wales in 2025 and 2026. In 2026, he also secured the title of British Champion.

Looking ahead to the World Championships, James said:

“When I first started out, I could not swim, didn’t own a bike and never imagined I would one day represent Great Britain at a World Championship.  It’s taken a lot of hard work, commitment and determination to get to this point, so being selected to compete in Abu Dhabi is a real privilege.

I’m really looking forward to the experience, competing against athletes from around the world and seeing how I measure up on the world stage. It’s exciting to have this opportunity, and I’ll be giving it everything I’ve got. I am grateful for the support that the University has given me and I’m proud to represent Great Britain and can’t wait to get out there and compete.”

Alongside his sporting commitments, James has spent the past four years working at UWTSD, where he teaches leadership, people management, diversity, development and wellbeing across MBA and master’s programmes, as well as the university’s CIPD-accredited Level 5 programme. His professional interests in leadership and wellbeing sit alongside the commitment, resilience and determination required to compete at the highest level of his sport.

The Long Distance Aquabike Championships bring together competitors from around the world for an endurance event combining swimming and cycling, with athletes competing for world titles in their respective age-group categories.

For James, the event represents another significant step in a sporting journey that began less than a decade ago. His progression from novice to British Champion and international competitor reflects the hard work and dedication he has invested in the sport. 

UWTSD wishes James every success as he prepares to represent Great Britain in Abu Dhabi.


Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076

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