A Tooting doctor has proved he is as much brains as he is brawn.

A specialist registrar in neurorehabilitation at St George's Hospital, Dr Lawrence Hayes recently took home the gold at the Aquabike World Championships in Spain.

The duathlon involves a 1.5km swim followed by a gruelling 113km bike ride.

Competing against athletes from all over the world, Lawrence was racing in the men's 30-34 age group, and beat out nearly 200 other competitors.

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“When I was a student at St George’s I used to compete in triathlons, but had to give it up when I qualified," Dr Hayes said.

"Thanks to a better work-life balance, I was able to pick it up again a year ago.

“I do all my own training and physio, and I think the MDT and goal orientated working in neurorehab has helped to me improve and structure the way I train.

“This was my first international competition so I had no idea where I’d place – the hot conditions made it difficult and I thought I was heading for heat stroke towards the end. I was surprised when another athlete told me I’d actually won.”

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Despite the exertions of the race, he was back at St George’s four days later, where his colleagues in were thrilled with his win.

“I posted the news to our group chat and had lots of lovely messages from the multidisciplinary team," the doctor added.

"Especially from the physios who take a keen interest.”

He will be competing in the triathlon in Russia later this year, as well as in the British championships.