Two Gunnedah Triathlon Club members were crowned age group Australian champions while two other members of the club were runners-up at last Sunday’s Lake Macquarie Triathlon, which hosted the Australian Super Sprint Championships.
Sarah Stewart (35-39 age group) and Kelly Watson (45-49) won a gold medal each, while Cooper Galton (12-13) and Donna Hickey (65-69) achieved silver.
Stewart said the Super Sprint was the shortest distance in triathlon, but also one of the most intense.
Athletes tackled a 250m swim with a massive pack start, followed by a 13.2km bike leg on a technical and rain-soaked course which caused several riders to fall to ground.
The competitors finished with a 2.5km run, featuring a few sneaky climbs to the finish line.
The victory was especially meaningful for Watson, marking her first national championship title after several years of consistent podium finishes.
Gunnedah Triathlon Club coach John Hickey praised the result and said consistency had paid off.
“It’s great to see Kelly finally break through for a national title,” he said.
“Consistency over the years leads to success.”
Adding to the family atmosphere of the day, Reggie Stewart and Rosie Galton competed in the Kids Triathlon.
The two youngsters were so quick out of the water and onto the bike that they beat the race marshal to the turn point, resulting in an extended bike course for the leaders.
While no official placings were awarded due to the course mix-up, the young athletes finished the day with big smiles and plenty of enthusiasm.
