Derry teacher represents Ireland at European Multisport Championships

Derry athlete Eddie Burton will pull on the Irish vest once again this weekend when he competes at the 2026 Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Banyoles, Spain.

The North West Triathlon Club member will line up in the Aquathlon on Saturday, July 18, racing over a 1,000-metre swim followed by a 5k run against Europe's top age-group competitors in the 55–59 Open category.

Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor Grace Uí Niallais congratulates NWTC athlete and local school teacher Eddie Burton on his qualification for the 2026 Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Banyoles, Spain, where he will compete in the Aquathlon on July 18.

placeholder image — Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor Grace Uí Niallais congratulates NWTC athlete and local school teacher Eddie Burton on his qualification for the 2026 Europe Triathlon Multisport Championships in Banyoles, Spain, where he will compete in the Aquathlon on July 18.

A teacher at St Therese's Primary School in Galliagh, Eddie is a two-time National Aquathlon Champion who has made an inspiring return to international competition despite undergoing seven knee surgeries and overcoming several serious injuries during his sporting career.

Eddie, a seasoned athlete, once raced against the likes of Seb Coe, Steve Ovett and Ian Hammer before making impressive transition to triathlon. A promising cross-country runner, Eddie’s career was interrupted by a broken ankle in 1990 while preparing to qualify for the World U20 Cross-Country Finals.

Eddie said: "It's always a huge honour to represent Ireland and compete against the best athletes in Europe.

"Every opportunity to wear the Irish vest is special and I'm really looking forward to testing myself in Banyoles. Hopefully all the training over the past few months will pay off on race day."

Last year, Eddie proudly represented Ireland alongside his daughter, Lily-Mai, at the World Multisport Championships in Pontevedra, making it a memorable father-and-daughter milestone.