In the Gunnedah Australia Day Triathlon, Kelly Watson took home top claims in the open women’s division. Meanwhile, seasoned competitor Pete Loveridge was fastest in the men’s open division but had young Josh Spinks hot on his heels in second place.
Triathlon coordinator John Hickey said the youngster showed great enthusiasm and competed in almost every event on the day.
“[Spinks] participated … and that’s what Australia Day is all about,” he said.
Alexis Whitton won the junior girls’ Splash for Cash. Her 28.85-second time broke Penny Stove’s 30.78-second time which she set in the year 2000.
“[Whitton] has been in top form,” Hickey said.
Josh Spinks also set a new record in the junior boys event with his time of 31 seconds eclipsing Jarrod Turner’s 31.31 time set in 2011.
Whitton also won the open women’s division with an even faster time (28.43) and veteran competitor Andrew Riordan won the open men’s race.
Hickey said Riordan showed good speed in the 50m Splash for Cash despite a challenge from young-gun Baxter Knapman.
Riordan touched the wall in a time of 28.39 seconds but less than a second behind in 29.00 was 14-year-old Knapman.
Hickey said the young swimmer holds much promise as one of the best for his age in north west NSW.
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