SWINDON triathlete Kev Tonner will be mixing it with the world's best when he flies out to Canada next month.

The 31-year-old sports therapist will represent Great Britain as part of a 20-strong team at the Edmonton ITU Sprint Distance World Championships.

Tonner booked his place after an impressive performance at the Rother Valley Sprint Triathlon in Sheffield last month.

Competing against 497 top triathletes, he finished 48th overall to qualify in the 30-34 age group in Canada.

Tonner began strongly with a 750m open water swim in the open lake at Rother Valley Country Park and a 25.4km cycle ride.

He then completed a 5km run in 18:22. His triathlon finish time was 1.16:27.

Tonner is thrilled to be part of a four-man team in his age group.

“It feels fantastic to qualify for the World Championships.

“The response I've received since has been overwhelming. As well as Great Britain, I'll be representing Swindon, my hometown,” he said.

“It's great to work with local businesses and I thank everyone for their kind sponsorship.”

Success in Sheffield came on the back of an impressive run of results, including third place overall and first in his age group at the Eton Dorney Sprint Triathlon in Berkshire.

Tonner’s focus is now on August 29 and Alberta's capital city.

The ITU Sprint Distance Triathlon World Championships route runs through the scenic Hawrelak Park and Edmonton's expansive river valley.

A sports therapist with Championship football team, Reading, Tonner also runs the successful Kev Tonner Sports Injury Clinic out of Run, Wood Street, Swindon.