Athlete following Dad’s footsteps

Among the throng of 7 to 15-yearolds swimming, cycling and running in the Wellington Weet-Bix TRYathlon recently was Titahi Bay 11-year-old Maia Rangi.

It was the Te Kura Maori o Porirua student’s first attempt at the TRYathlon, and her goal was simply to finish, said mum Lisa Ramanui.

Maia’s interest in triathalon stemmed from her father Lance Rangi, who competes in IronMaori events. Maia took part in an IronMaori tamariki event in December, and she and Dad are now regular training buddies.

Ramanui said it was great to see Maia taking on a pursuit outside her comfort zone of team sports, softball and netball.

Sporting celebrities including Sophie Pascoe, Anna Harrison and Aaron Barclay joined families in cheering on competitors at the Hutt Recreation Grounds on February 10.

The TRYathlon is the largest children’s sporting event of its kind in the world, and will travel to 13 cities and towns throughout New Zealand in 2013.