Triathletes finish championship

The Wild Dog Triathlon season wound up last Saturday with its final championship race.

Forty juniors lined up to race on a warm and sunny day, perfect for racing.

Trophies and medals were awarded to winners and second and third place getters, with children pumped to race for a place.

Aside from the medal winners, the club had 15 personal bests recorded for the day.

There were some close finishes in many of the events, making it very exciting for the parents and supporters.

Madi Senini and Lily Leighton sprinted their hearts out to the finish line in the girl’s four lap event, with Madi crossing first, one metre in front of Lily.

Molly Schuurmans came in third, followed by Isabel Oswald and Ava McKellar.

Lily Leighton took out the female club championship trophy for the season for her dedication, consistent performance and continuing even when injured.

The boy’s three and four lap events were also exciting to the end with only a few seconds between first and second place.

In the boy’s three lap, Charlie Kilmartin ran hard and was almost caught by Yelan Mateus, who sprinted to the finish line only to just miss taking out the championship trophy.

Toby Senini ran in third, smiling all the way as per normal.

Cooper Leighton raced well and came in shortly after Toby.

Toby also took out the male club championship trophy for his performance throughout the season, pushing himself to many personal bests, moving to a longer event and running in most of the races this season.

The boy’s four lap was narrowly won by Matthew Kilmartin ahead of Riley Senini. It was an exciting finish with both boys achieving personal bests in a great way to finish the season.

Max Richards came in third and David Baker in fourth.

Andrew Thompson finished his season with success in the boy’s two lap event.

He has performed well over the season, gaining many personal bests, including one on Saturday which saw him take out the winner’s trophy ahead of Chris Richards and Liam Phillips.

Emmy McDonald used her initiative and cut a big corner in the girl’s one lap so she could be first across the line. Unfortunately for her this saw her disqualified.

Audrey Graafsma was crowned the winner with Milla Phillips taking second and Rachel Baker in third.

The boy’s one lap trophy was keenly eyed off and hotly contested.

Ben Schuurmans and Fraser Leighton entered into the transition for the run leg together with Ben staying just ahead and crossing the line first, Fraser not far behind.

Troy Oswald was hot on their heels and came in third.

Ashton Spencer had a shaky start in the pool but managed to regroup himself and finish in a commendable fourth.

Grace Graafsma finished a successful triathlon season, taking out first with a personal best in the girl’s two lap event.

Maya McDonald crossed in second and a few metres behind was Alais Mateus in third then Sam Richards in fourth.

There was a large line up for the girl’s three lap event.

Race winner Zara McNair always pushes herself, and finished with a personal best as well as the trophy.

Clare Baker came in second with Elliot Holden, with a new personal best, closely behind in third.

Madi Herbert, who also recorded a personal best, was fourth, followed by Eleanor Graafsma, Ava Webster and Leah McMahon.

Mark Ferguson raced against himself for the season in the boy’s five lap, but unfortunately didn’t make a personal best in the final race. He still took home the championship trophy.

Thomas Kilmartin completed the Kilmartin trifecta, winning the boy’s six lap event.

This was his last race in the juniors and next season he will be battling it out with the seniors on the road.

The club thanked parents who marshalled, volunteered on the barbecue, supported their children and supported the club so well in what was a fantastic season for the club.

The club looks forward to its members returning in October for the 2017/18 season.