3:38pm Monday 28th July 2008
YOUNG sports fans all over the world are looking forward to the start of the 2008 Beijing Olympics next week.
But one East Lancashire lad is even more excited than most — he can't wait to size up the competition.
Fourteen year-old Luke Tasker, from Waddington hopes to compete in the Olympic games himself some day, at the next Olympics in 2012 or the following event, four years later, in 2016.
Luke, a Bowland High School pupil, is the Great British Junior Triathlon Champion. The triathlon involves swimming, running and shooting.
"I'm definitely going to be watching the Olympics on the telly," said Luke, who lives with his parents Elaine and Stephen and his brother, Daniel, 16, and sister, Katie, 10.
"I want to see what I'll be up against!"
Amazingly Luke has only been competing in triathlons for two years. He swims with Pioneer 79, runs at Blackburn Harriers and shoots with the Ribble Valley Pentathlon team in Clitheroe.
Luke was recently selected to represent Great Britain at an international triathlon event in Czech Republic. He was one of the youngest competitors as his category is open to those up to 16. And he came a creditable 17th from 65 entrants, and was the second highest placed British athlete.
Luke has also taken up horse riding and plans to start fencing so he can compete in the modern pentathlon.
"We've got our own horse, Genie, because my mum rides so I just go out on her. I need to start fencing lessons," said Luke.
To compete at such a high level involves a lot of hard work.
Luke goes for a 30 minute run in the countryside around his home before school and four evenings a week he swims for two hours after school. He also spends his spare time practicing his shooting skills.
"It's something I really enjoy and I'm good at it," said Luke.
"When I leave school I want to carry on with this and hopefully compete in the Olympics"
And Luke he reckons his secret could be his height.
"I'm nearly 6ft already," he said, "so I think it helps with the running and swimming because I can reach further. "
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