Newman has top ten aim for Great Britain debut

The 19-year-old former Kineton School pupil from Wellesbourne will step out in the colours of Team GB at the PRU Health Triathlon World Grand Final at Hyde Park in London .

Newman, who will be competing in the 18-19 age group said he “can’t wait” to be racing for his country at a time when, in the aftermath of Alistair Brownlee’s victory at London 2012, triathlon is at its most popular.

He said: “The whole thought of racing for Team GB on home turf is so exciting, it is a great time for the sport.

“If you asked someone, who isn’t a triathlete, who won the 2008 Olympic men’s triathlon they probably wouldn’t know but ask who won in 2012 you can be sure they would know.

“I can’t wait to be racing down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace in my Team GB tri-suit.

It has been a long journey for Newman, who started racing aged 11.

By the age of 14 he was competing for the West Midlands and just one year later he moved on the sprint distances with the Stratford Sharks Tri team.

By the age of 16 he was representing Stratford ACs triathlon junior teams and he has since secured sponsorship with Reach Contact which has covered the costs of equipment and accommodation for the London event.

Newman goes into the London event off the back of a run of fine form which continued with a win at the Daventry Triathlon recently and a third place in the British Championships in Liverpool where he set a personal best time of two hours and seven minutes.

Newman said: “Who knows, I might even be able to beat my personal best and be in for a top ten finish.”