SUPER-FIT Phil Dick is gearing up to take on the world.

The 27-year-old Fulford athlete is preparing to rub shoulders with the very best after being selected to represent Great Britain in the 2003 World Triathlete Championships, to be staged in New Zealand in December.

Dick, a member of the York-based White Rose Triathletes, earned his place among the elite after finishing 17th overall and third in his age category out of more than 500 competitors at last weekend's qualifying event in Leicestershire.

Dick completed the gruelling Olympic distance course, which included a one mile swim in open water, a 27 mile bike ride and finally a 6.2 mile run, in a time of 2hrs 7m 14 sec.

Dick only took up the awesome examination of physical and mental strength about three years ago, after getting bored of his previous sport of mountain bike racing.

Earlier this year, he won the Tadcaster Triathlon and also took first place in his age category in the Cleveland Short Course competition.

This weekend he will be looking to maintain his form when he tackles the Hunmanby Triathlon near Filey.

Dick's training for the triathlon takes up 15 hours a week and includes cycling, running, swimming, weights and stretching.

He is aided by coach Simon Ward, although the duo rarely come face to face.

Leeds-based Ward draws up Dick's fitness plans and programmes and then delivers them via e-mail or over the telephone.

Dick now needs to raise around £2,000 so that he will be able to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Any company or individual able to sponsor Dick can telephone him on 07739 579 348.

Updated: 11:04 Saturday, July 05, 2003