Going for Gold: Sitting Down with WYFRS’s Silver-Medal Star Lorna Dodd

One of the most rewarding aspects of life at West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service is celebrating the incredible achievements of colleagues - not just in their professional roles, but also in the inspiring things they accomplish outside of the service.

Firefighter Lorna Dodd, currently based with Operational Training, recently returned from the World Duathlon Championships in Spain, where she proudly represented Great Britain and secured a silver medal.

The World Duathlon Championships is an elite international competition that combines running and cycling in a fast-paced, physically demanding race format. Athletes from around the world gather each year to push their limits over a series of challenging courses. Lorna delivered a phenomenal performance, earning her place on the podium and bringing home a silver medal for Team GB - a truly outstanding achievement on the global stage.

In the wake of her success, Lorna spoke about her journey, what drives her, and how life as a firefighter complements the discipline and determination required of an elite athlete.

Q: First off, Lorna, huge congratulations! Winning a silver medal representing Team GB – how does that feel?
Lorna: Awkwardly amazing. I was still on such a high from the race, but so tired from giving it my all. I was in utter disbelief that I’d won a silver medal for Great Britain.

Q: Can you tell us a little about the championships and what it involved?
Lorna: In 2024, I came 5th in a qualifying race in Northumberland, which earned me a spot at the 2025 World Championships. That was actually my first standard-distance duathlon – and, thanks to the weather, the run sections were moved to the beach at the last minute. It was absolutely brutal.
The Worlds marked my first experience racing a full, road-based standard-distance duathlon. It kicked off with a 10km run – four laps weaving through the streets of Pontevedra – followed by a 40km bike course that included two challenging 10km climbs, and finished with a 5km run.
Forget the Dutch corner – I had my very own “Dodd Corner!” Spectators lined the streets, shouting my name, running alongside me, and giving me the most incredible encouragement. Honestly, I loved every single moment. Representing my country while doing something I’m so passionate about was unforgettable.

Q: How do you balance training for world-class competition with your role at WYFRS?
Lorna: My training’s been fairly sporadic – I’ve had to find a rhythm that works for me. I tried to maintain a loose structure, aiming for three runs and three bike rides a week. I trained hard when I had the energy, slowed it down for endurance, and rested when my body needed it.
Working shifts made it tough to attend regular group sessions, which could feel isolating at times, but bone-conducting earphones were a game-changer. Whether it was early mornings or commuting on the bike, they helped me stay mentally in the zone. We’re lucky to live somewhere with such variety when it comes to outdoor training. For me, organisation is everything. My car has basically become a mobile training hub – it’s loaded with kit for the week ahead so I can make the most of whatever time I have.

Q: Has being part of #TeamWYFRS helped you on your athletic journey?
Lorna: Everyone has been incredibly supportive. I even printed out a few of their words of encouragement and stuck them to the top tube of my bike – they definitely helped push me up the climbs! And while I can’t say I’m a huge fan of strength training, having access to a gym at work has made it so much easier to get those sessions in.

Q: What would you say to others who want to push their limits – whether in sport, work or life?
Lorna: ‘Be Your Extraordinary’ was the quote for this year’s championships, and I thought it captured the spirit perfectly. If you want to push your limits – whether in sport, work or life – give yourself the best shot at success: show up, put in the time, and give it everything you’ve got. And most importantly, keep smiling, even when it hurts. That’s where the magic happens.

Q: How do you overcome obstacles in life, and what would be your advice to others?
Lorna: Sometimes, life doesn't follow the path we hoped for, and in those moments, it's important to take a step back and be kind to ourselves. A setback isn’t the end of the road.
Over the past two years, I’ve spent a lot of time in hospital dealing with heart issues, and each visit has disrupted my training. Balancing recovery with the demands of everyday life has been mentally tough. But through it all, I’ve learned that resilience often starts with patience and self-kindness.

Q: What’s next for you?
Lorna: I’m absolutely over the moon to have qualified for next year’s World Championships – but I’ve got to be realistic. We’ve got a house that needs renovating and a garden crying out for attention. The championships are in Abu Dhabi, and it's a completely self-funded venture with hefty entry fees. Without sponsorship, I simply won’t be able to go!

It’s colleagues like Lorna, quietly doing amazing things, who define who we are as a service. It’s about celebrating not just our roles, but the incredible people behind them!