Russell making waves in triathlon

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Russell Liew Yuan Wei (pic) has shown that he has the makings of a top triathlete after emerging victorious in the boys’ 13-15 age category at the Superkidz Triathlon in Phuket, Thailand.

The 15-year-old Russell clocked 38:15 in the race held at Thanyapura Health and Sports Resort.

The race on Monday, involving 85 participants, started with a 400m swim at the 50m Olympic-sized pool. They then cycled for 7km and ran for 3km.

Thailand’s Pinthira Thumthitikul won the girls’ 13-15 age category in 1’14:01.

“The cycling part was really tough because of the rolling hills,” said Russel, who has won the junior categories in Hong Kong, the Philippines and Singapore over the last two years.

Russell is aiming to take his passion a step further.

“My goal is to qualify for the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina next year,” he said.

Malaysia have never had a triathlete at the Olympic level – senior or junior.