“When I’m on the start line, I’m just the same as everyone else”

Jade Kingdom, 36, from Barnstaple, Devon, has been a triathlete for five years and in 2021 set a Guinness World Record as the first woman with Down’s syndrome to complete a sprint-distance event.

Jade was motivated to start tri after cheering on her sister and brother-in-law, and her first race was the London Triathlon super sprint in 2018. Having thoroughly enjoyed it – “especially the finish line” – Jade completed the sprint in 2021.

A keen fundraiser, who has raised thousands for her local hospice, Jade stepped up to an Olympic-distance triathlon at Challenge London in August 2023.

“I loved this year’s London Triathlon [the 2024 event, now called Challenge London, takes place on 28 July]. Doubling up on my world record distance was super tough and I really had to dig deep to get to the finish. It’s a fantastic event and perfect for an athlete with a disability as all three disciplines are in safe and controlled environments, meaning that you can just focus on your race.”

“The support I get from my fellow triathletes and supporters really does warm my heart. Triathlon is a sport that when I’m on the start line, wetsuit and goggles on, I just feel the same as everyone else around me. I’m not being judged and just feel like a normal person.”

“When Jade was born, we weretold we’d be lucky if she could tie her own shoelaces and write her name, so what she’s doing is phenomenal,” mum Judy says. “For anyone who thought Jade wasn’t capable, she’s proved them completely wrong.”

Living with weight issues and an underactive thyroid (a common challenge for people with Down’s), tri training gives Jade’s health and fitness a big boost. It also increases her confidence as she gets to know more people in the community.

“I love my swimming and I’m very good at it,” says Jade. Jade finds the run leg the hardest, but always gives it 100%. The other aspect that Jade loves is the encouragement she always receives from the crowd. “Everybody cheers and it’s a little bit addictive,” Judy adds.

Each week Jade completes two swims, two-to-three runs, and cycles more than 20 miles a couple of times, too. She also puts in brick sessions.

Jade says what fellow Down’s triathlete Chris Nikic from the USA has achieved in Ironman is amazing, but has no plans to emulate his feat. “The Olympic distance is really tough for Jade and would be the pinnacle,” says Judy. “But she can do it. She’s not a quitter!”

Jade loves all sport and as well as regular pool nights and heading to the golf driving range, she’s also been coached in table tennis, tennis and badminton in the North Devon Special Olympics. When she’s not exercising, Jade loves watching Strictly Come Dancing, going to the cinema and enjoying taking her boyfriend, John, out for dinner.

Jade has given talks at the local school and took part in a race with the children. “We were contacted by a teacher who was blown away with Jade’s determination and hard work,” says Judy, “and wanted to pass it on to the younger children.”

Having raised more than £30,000 to date, Jade will continue fundraising for the North Devon Hospice, which has supported several people who the family know.

“We’ve seen attitudes change towards people with Down’s Syndrome,” Judy says. “It’s not always been like that. Now, Jade’s accepted everywhere she goes, it’s amazing how supportive people are.”

Jade’s message is simple: “Follow your dreams and if a triathlon takes your eye, give it a try!”

Top image credit: Judy Kingdom