THE head of local triathlete Jonathan Brownlee’s former school has sent him a good luck message ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, where he is competing for Team GB.

Brownlee, 31, will be going for gold at the Games, aiming to add to a silver in Rio 2016 and bronze in London 2012 to complete the set in his third Olympics.

The Bramhope-based athlete, who learned his trade with Bingley Harriers and at Aireborough Swimming Club in Guiesely, will face stiff competition in the race, which takes place on Monday August 26, but will actually get underway at 10.30pm UK time on Sunday night.

Currently ninth in the world rankings, Brownlee is fifth favourite to win the event which is being held at Odaiba Marine Park and looks set to take place in hot, humid conditions.

He will be without brother Alistair Brownlee for competition – who has won gold in the last two Olympic triathlons – who failed to qualify for Tokyo.

Dr Simon Hinchliffe is headmaster at Bradford Grammar School in Frizinghall, where Jonny spent his school days.

He has sent the whole school community’s best wishes to their former student ahead of the race.

Dr Hinchliffe said: “We are looking forward to seeing Jonny competing at what is, impressively, now his third Olympics.

“He’s worked hard preparing for the conditions over in Japan, exemplifying the grit and tenacity which underpin the Bradford Grammar ethos.

“We are all very proud of Jonny. He’s a fantastic ambassador for Bradford Grammar and an inspirational role model for today’s young athletes.

“Competing at this level means a great deal for the country and the Bradford district; we wish him well for the race.”

Otley cyclist Lizzie Deignan will be going for gold on Sunday, aiming to come out on top in a brutal 137km road race which will be hotly contested by the world’s top athletes.

She has been on rides with women’s cycling club Queensbury Queens, and its founder Vicky Mathwin - who will be up early for the 5am race start - said Lizzie is already an “inspiration” for women and girls in the district.

Ms Mathwin said: “Good luck to Lizzie and all the best in your third Olympics from everyone at Queensbury Queens.

“Lizzie is a massive inspiration already and to our club especially whether or not she wins a medal, but if she does that will be great.

“She’s inspiring not only as an athlete but also as a mother; she is showing other women that you can still go out there and achieve your dreams while being a fantastic mother at the same time.”