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More news articles Tributes pour in for 'Pistol' Peter Holmes
Former Loughborough cross-country captain dies in Canadian mountains
PETER HOLMES, a popular figure within Loughborough University’s athletics’ circles and media officer for the International Triathlon Union, has died aged 24 after a climbing accident in Canada.
Holmes, who was known to his friends as ‘Pistol’, was a keen athlete with Cheltenham Harriers, with best times of 15:36 for 5km, 32:51 for 10km and less than two months ago he had run a marathon in 2:54:06.
Many people knew him through his work on uni-athletics.com and later eightlane.com and his presence, wit and knowledge of track and field helped make these sites enjoyable to all.
Upon obtaining his degree, he was recruited by British Triathlon to become their media officer and from there secured a similar position for the International Triathlon Union based in Canada. Never satisfied to merely report on the sport, Holmes began competing in triathlons and enjoyed considerable success.
No more so will his loss be felt that at Loughborough Students Athletics Club, where Peter was a member while completing his degree. During this time he captained the cross-country team and was also the club’s press officer.
Friend and fellow Loughborough graduate Job King said: “Pete's campaigning, organisation and friendship traversed the whole club, day and night, irrespective of PBs or muscle-twitch fibres. His inspiration has ensured that the members were always at heart throughout the changing background from the Pavilion to a High Performance environment.”
Norman Brook, the former CEO of British Triathlon and endurance director at UKA, said: "I recruited Peter straight from university to work with us at British Triathlon. His personality, enthusiasm, commitment, writing skills and his contribution to athletics and media at Loughborough University won us over. He was a great member of staff who made a major contribution to triathlon in the UK before heading off to work for the International Federation. This is a terrible tragedy and the loss of a young man who would have contributed and achieved much more in his life if it had not been cut so short."
A book of condolence has been placed at the Loughborough HIPAC and this Sunday a memorial ‘Sunday Surgery’ run will be taking place Peter’s honour. Those wishing to attend should arrive at the Pavilion next to the Loughborough athletics track in time for an 11am start.
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