Two young brothers from Nidderdale are following in the footsteps of their sporting heroes, who have sent them words of encouragement. 

Angus and Alfie Millar received hand-written letters from the Brownlee brothers, along with treasured items of their sporting kit, after writing to the famous pair. 

The Yorkshire-born Brownlee brothers rank among Britain’s greatest living athletes. Alistair Brownlee won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, and younger brother Jonathan Brownlee won gold in the mixed relay at the 2020 Olympics and is a six-time world triathlon champion.

Inspired by their success, Ripon Grammar School pupils Angus, 13, and Alfie, 12, are representing their county in triathlon, with ambitions to go further. 

Having taken up the endurance multisport six years ago, both were selected for the Yorkshire team in national championships, held at Mallory Park in Leicestershire, after beating off stiff competition from throughout the county. 

In the finals, where their county came ninth overall, they were up against the best young athletes from England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands. Angus has since been selected for the Yorkshire Talent Squad, following challenging trials, and won bronze at the recent national schools fell-running championships. 

The boys live near Pateley Bridge, about 20 miles from Bramhope, Leeds, where the Brownlees were born. 

In his response to the boys’ fan letter, Alistair Brownlee wrote:  

Angus said they were also delighted to receive a signed swim cap and photo, along with a World Series tri-suit. He said: 

Alfie, who fits in his triathlon training at 6.30am before school and at weekends, said he was inspired by their story:

Having been placed third in several Yorkshire triathlons, Angus said:  

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