Two members of our Health Improvement team – Fiona MacFarlane, Senior Health Improvement Officer, and Scott Burton, Improvement Advisor, recently represented Great Britain at the 2025 European Aquathlon Championships in Pamplona, Spain.

The event featured a demanding 1,000m open-water swim followed by a challenging 5km run through hilly terrain. Fiona and Scott, both members of Grangemouth Triathlon Club, travelled to Spain with five fellow club athletes and were greeted by a dramatic thunder and lightning storm.

Fiona said: “The weather certainly added to the pre-race anticipation, however race evening brought ideal conditions, with a warm 17°C water temperature, perfect for wetsuit racing. It was a brilliant experience and a reminder of what’s possible with a bit of determination and teamwork – on and off the racecourse.”

Around 40 athletes competed in each wave and the competition was fierce. Despite the pressure, Fiona and Scott delivered outstanding performances, finishing 7th and 4th in their respective categories.

Scott added: “Balancing training for international competitions with a busy NHS role isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Staying active is a huge boost for both physical and mental wellbeing and it’s something we always try to prioritise even when things get hectic.”

Scott is now preparing for his next big challenge – competing in the World Aquathlon Championships in Pontevedra, Spain in June 2025.