Karen Shimmin, 23, has recently participated in a gruelling Ironman challenge in Pembrokeshire, Wales, just a week after returning from the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in Edmonton, Canada.
Karen headed to the Welsh coastline and came second in her age group and was the 44th woman to finish out of all female contestants; thus completing two adrenaline pumping competitions within the space of a couple of weeks.
Chairman of Kestrel Insurance (Karen’s employer) Alan Burrows who went to support Karen in Wales has commented, “Having been there and watched the immense effort and commitment shown by Karen, I have got nothing but admiration for her achievements.”
Involving a demanding 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike course of South Pembrokeshire and a 26.2 mile marathon run through Tenby, just the week prior to completing this Karen took part in the triathlon world championship which also involved a 1500 metre swim, a 40 kilometre cycle and a 10 kilometre run.
As a result of her finishing position in the Ironman competition, Karen qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, but unfortunately cannot compete due to other personal commitments.
Karen said, “I would like to say a huge thanks to my employer Kestrel Insurance and to Daryn Thompson of D J Thompson for sponsoring me to compete in both of these memorable events.
“It’s been a very busy summer, but one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and hope to do again at some point in the future.
“It was an honour to compete for Team GBR in Edmonton, Canada.”
Natasha Carter, Marketing Executive at Kestrel Insurance commented, “We actively encourage all of our staff to take part in activities outside of work and for this reason we are all incredibly proud of Karen’s achievements this year. We feel even more privileged to have supported her ventures.
“Despite long hours of training, to see Karen come into work with a smile on her face and still go above and beyond every single day as Branch Manager at our Onchan branch is something that is admired throughout Kestrel Insurance.
“On behalf of the business, we would all like to congratulate Karen on both of these fantastic achievements.”
Karen headed to the Welsh coastline and came second in her age group and was the 44th woman to finish out of all female contestants; thus completing two adrenaline pumping competitions within the space of a couple of weeks.
Chairman of Kestrel Insurance (Karen’s employer) Alan Burrows who went to support Karen in Wales has commented, “Having been there and watched the immense effort and commitment shown by Karen, I have got nothing but admiration for her achievements.”
Involving a demanding 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike course of South Pembrokeshire and a 26.2 mile marathon run through Tenby, just the week prior to completing this Karen took part in the triathlon world championship which also involved a 1500 metre swim, a 40 kilometre cycle and a 10 kilometre run.
As a result of her finishing position in the Ironman competition, Karen qualified for the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, but unfortunately cannot compete due to other personal commitments.
Karen said, “I would like to say a huge thanks to my employer Kestrel Insurance and to Daryn Thompson of D J Thompson for sponsoring me to compete in both of these memorable events.
“It’s been a very busy summer, but one that I have thoroughly enjoyed and hope to do again at some point in the future.
“It was an honour to compete for Team GBR in Edmonton, Canada.”
Natasha Carter, Marketing Executive at Kestrel Insurance commented, “We actively encourage all of our staff to take part in activities outside of work and for this reason we are all incredibly proud of Karen’s achievements this year. We feel even more privileged to have supported her ventures.
“Despite long hours of training, to see Karen come into work with a smile on her face and still go above and beyond every single day as Branch Manager at our Onchan branch is something that is admired throughout Kestrel Insurance.
“On behalf of the business, we would all like to congratulate Karen on both of these fantastic achievements.”
