News_
Malcolm Hughes: 8-5-1961 to 11-3-2024
Monday 25th March 2024
It is with immense sadness and regret that the Club announce the death of Malcolm Hughes. He died on 11 March, 2024. He was 62 years old.
In February Malcolm had reached 20 years as a Phoenix member and stalwart, he was a hugely respected club mate, successful international triathlete, multisport rep for many years, and a year ago had qualified as a valuable part of the club multisport and senior athlete coaching team. We had all been looking forward to benefiting from his vast triathlon and multisport experience and knowledge.
Malcolm joined Phoenix in February 2004 and promptly devoted himself to becoming the best triathlete he could. He competed at all triathlon distances, from sprint to, in 2022 completing a long-held intention in Ironman. Injury and Covid meant that it took a few years longer to complete this goal than he originally hoped. But as in his competitive triathlon career his persistence paid off.
Malcolm with Sue and Liz in Autun, one of Malcolm's first representative races
Malcolm's many Club awards
Malcolm has been a consistent and successful competitor in triathlon at Phoenix. He has won the following awards, and more than likely others:..
2007: over 40 club athlete of the year,
2009: multisport outstanding achievement of the year
He was the multisport club champion no less than nine times
2008: he was the Blackcap handicap fastest male
2017 and 2021 he was the multisport athlete of the year
Receiving one of his many awards
International triathlete...
As well as picking up a multitude of Club awards over the years Malcolm also represented GB at world and European standard distance triathlon championships, almost every year between 2005 and 2019. Although always competing to his best, in 2011 at Pontevedra in the ETU European championship he finished on the podium in the 50-54 age category. A very fine performance indeed. Here is a list of his international performances
Another successful race wearing a GB vest
Sharing his experiences
Malcolm was renowned for his detailed race reviews which gave great insight into what it is to train and compete in triathlon. Here is a sample of them.
Recovering from covid and racing again/
Finishing his Ironman
A gentle and easy going man...
As can be seen in the pictures here he always raced, celebrated and generally conducted himself around the club with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed by the Club, and many members past and present.
Our sincerest condolences go to Pauline his wife, his three daughters, grandchildren, wider family and friends.
His funeral will be held at the The Downs Crematorium, on Wednesday 27th March 2024, at 12pm. Followed by a celebration of Malcolm’s life in the function room at the Railway Inn, Station Road Portslade from 2pm.
Finishing an international race in fine style...
His last race, in the Frosty Aquathlon, just a week before he died...
Malcolm and his wife, Pauline, at a Club awards night