Club Captains

My name is Jane O, and sport has always played an important role in my life. Exercise, friendship and the sense of community that comes with training alongside others help me find balance and focus, and have been essential in supporting my mental wellbeing over the years.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, I played rugby for Richmond Women’s Rugby Team and was fortunate enough to earn a handful of appearances for the England Women’s Emerging Team. Unfortunately, a couple of serious injuries brought my rugby career to an end and, for a time, stopped me participating in sport altogether.

A few years later, while caring for my ex-partner, I returned to running as a form of respite and rediscovered how much exercise meant to me. In 2010, I completed the London Marathon in support of the Spinal Injuries Association. Since then, I’ve completed several marathons, including New York and Dublin — the latter three times.

I began dabbling in triathlon in 2014 with Freedom Tri, a club whose welcoming and inclusive ethos felt very similar to our own Bandits community. What I love most about triathlon is that it brings together people of all abilities — from experienced age-groupers to complete beginners — and that we can challenge ourselves while still having plenty of fun along the way.

I firmly consider myself a middle-of-the-pack athlete. I swim, I bike, I run — none particularly quickly — but I love being part of the experience. For me, the joy comes from training and racing alongside others: chatting, encouraging one another and celebrating everyone’s achievements, whatever their goals may be.

Over the years I’ve completed sprint, olympic and middle-distance triathlons, and in 2017 I took on Ironman Barcelona while fundraising for The Rooprai Spinal Trust. In 2023, I was proud to be part of a relay team that swam across the English Channel in support of Aspire, and in 2024 I completed the 11mile end-to-end swim of Lake Windermere.

Over the last 18 months, I’ve been dealing with a shoulder injury that has affected both my ability to train and, in turn, my mental wellbeing. That experience reminded me just how important this club and its community are. So, it felt like the perfect time to return to the role I previously held in 2017/18 and step back in as Club Captain alongside Kate.

We’re both looking forward to a brilliant season ahead and continuing to support our members — whether you’re chasing a personal best, taking on your first event, or simply enjoying being part of the Bandits family

Hi, I’m Kate and I’m incredibly honoured to step into the role of Club Captain for Meridian Tri. I’ve been a swimmer for most of my life and started running in 2018. Like many parents, I had to step away from sport for a few years but now they’ve flown the nest, I’ve found the time again to focus on myself and my sporting goals, which is really exciting.

In 2021, I started a new job, and some colleagues talked about MTC. It took a little time to build up the confidence to go but in 2023 I went along to a few OW swim sessions and honestly never looked back. Joining the club has given me huge confidence and helped me believe that I really can achieve the things I set my sights on.

One thing I’ve always found is that training with friends and teammates makes all the difference. The camaraderie, encouragement and accountability are key to my development.

In April 2023 I ran the London Marathon. This was the first time I learned about the London Classics medal and immediately knew I wanted one. Since then, I’ve completed Swim Serpentine in 2025 and this year finished Etape Loch Ness to complete the trio. Collecting my London Classics medal was an incredibly proud moment for me and something I’ll always treasure.

What I love most about Meridian Tri is how supportive and motivating everyone is. As Club Captain, alongside Jane, I’m really looking forward to supporting others achieve their own goals and ambitions — and hopefully ticking off a few more of our own along the way too.

Go Bandits!