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ST HELENS Tri club’s mother and and son duo Myka and Che Heard have both qualified for the Grand Final of the World Triathlon series.

The pair have flown off to Rotterdam to compete in their respective categories of Sunday’s race where they will be competing against athletes from across the globe.

It is the second time Myka has competed in the worlds, but attending with her son makes it doubly special.

Myka said: “I qualified for this at a race in Llandudno despite getting stung in the face by a jelly fish and being about to give up – so I was delighted to get the qualification time.

“But it was unbelievable when Che qualified and was more happy for him than myself.

“He only start doing Triathlon a year ago when I got him entry to the UK Ironman for his 18th birthday.”

Che will be doing Standard Distance in the 18-19 age group, which comprises a 1,500m swim, a 44k bike ride and rounding off with a 10k run – Myka is doing the sprint which is half of that in each discipline.

Myka continued: “I’m really proud of what he has achieved and very excited that we will both be going to Rotterdam!

“It has been incredible watching his journey over the year.

“To qualify for this after such a short space of time shows how much potential he has at this event, maybe not for this one but for future championships.

“He had a go at his first Tri last August after mostly swim training and won his age group.”

The weekend’s even in Holland is the Grand Final of the World Triathlon Series with Elites, Paratriathletes and Age Groupers from all over the world competing.

It is not the first time for 50-year-old Myka, a nurse, who fits in her training around work.

“I started triathlons three years ago and was fortunate enough to qualify for the Great Britain Age Group team last year and have competed at Lisbon, Cozumel and Kitzbuhel in the 50-54 age group.

“We are both members of St Helens Tri and have had great support from the club and our sponsors,” she said.