JERSEY’S first Commonwealth Youth Games gold medallist since 2004 says that the feat was ‘not on the radar’ entering the 2023 instalment in Trinidad and Tobago.
Luke Holmes (16) has enjoyed a breakout year, which included a first call-up to the GB Elite Squad for the European Youth Championship in Spain.
But his super sprint triathlon gold in the Caribbean, as well as a mixed relay bronze alongside Siena Stephens, helped propel Team Jersey to their most successful Youth Games ever.
Despite representing Team GB, the Caesarean believes winning gold for Jersey is a feeling that is hard to replicate.
‘It means so much to me that the medal was for Jersey,’ said Holmes.
‘I have so much pride representing my Island and it always feels more special racing with the Jersey flag on my chest.
‘Often in events, I am competing for a region, or Britain. But Jersey is my home and it was an incredible feeling bringing home a gold for the team.
‘I had no idea after I won that I was just the second person from Jersey to win a Youth Games gold.
‘Especially the fact that Dan [Halksworth] was the first, and went on to be an accomplished triathlete. It’s really humbling to know I have carried on his legacy.’
While our triathletes introduced themselves to the world in Tobago, over in Trinidad, 15-year-old Filip Nowacki notched up two silvers and a bronze, all in separate breaststroke events.
With Team Jersey split across the two islands, Holmes & Co took the opportunity to mix with athletes from all over the world.
He said: ‘It would have been nice to watch the swimmers in action, but we didn’t have that chance.
‘But it did mean that we spent a lot more time interacting with people from the different nations.
‘All the competitors were in their own little bubble, away from family and very much together.
‘I really liked that because it gave us a chance to make new friends and connections, which is a big part of international events.
‘Typically with triathlon, you usually stick around your family or coaches and don’t interact much with other competitors.
‘The Youth Games provided an environment that we could form bonds and new friends, which will be important if I continue to travel to events on the world stage.’
While Holmes is only 16, he found himself as something of a mentor to younger triathletes, who were in awe of his winning performance.
‘There were a few younger athletes that approached me after the race to pick my brain.
‘It was a really humbling feeling, to be honest, that these guys wanted to hear about my training and ask various questions.
‘When I think back to where I was a couple years ago, I would have loved to have spoken to someone in my position who won the race.
‘I felt it was really important to offer that to the younger lads and if I can serve as a role model to them to fight for medals in future competitions then that is great.’
With Jersey’s brightest sports stars shining on the world stage, the future of local sport appears to be in safe hands.
