Non Stanford Sits out Another Race, Hopes to Team with Leanda Cave at Commonwealth Games

World triathlon champion Non Stanford is planning her comeback from injury on May 31 in London where she won her world title last September. Stanford was injured during the Trafford 10k in March and missed the opening two races of this year’s ITU series in Auckland and Cape Town and will sit out the third race in Yokohama May 17/18.

Without her pledge for the world title, Stanford’s main goal is to win the Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow this summer.
“I am not sure what I would expect of myself but I won’t be on the start line if I did not think I could podium,” she told Wales Online. “I have done my first running on dry land which is a start. I have been running up on the underwater treadmill for about an hour and a half. I don’t seem to have lost any fitness on the bike and if anything I am a lot stronger.”

Stanford’s team-mates Jodie Stimpson and Helen Jenkins dominated during the first two races this year. Stimpson won both events and Jenkins was third and second respectively. Stanford and Jenkins could be joined in Glasgow by a third Welsh world champion if the selectors opt to pick Ironman superstar Leanda Cave who is aiming for a triathlon return in Scotland this summer.

The 36-year-old has targeted a place in Glasgow where she wants to help Jenkins and Stanford win medals. “Leanda is doing a great job and a contender for that third spot,” added Stanford. “It is down to the selectors and there are some other girls in the frame. It would be fantastic to have her in the team because she would be a real asset with all her experience. To have her support is very flattering and I feel honoured she would want to support myself and Helen” she continued.

Jenkins and Stanford are also set to compete in a mixed relay sprint event with two Welsh men. “It is a fun event but we will be taking it seriously and it could be a future Olympic discipline,” added Stanford.