Millar shows promise
Jared Millar’s triathlete has remembering.
The 24-year-old won the Timaru Triathlon in his first go at the three discipline race, which then saw him gain qualification for the world triathlon championships in Rotterdam alongside veteran Gary Fahey.
Millar said he’s happy with how he performed on the world stage for the first time.
‘‘I was really happy to finish fourth. That was a pretty good effort for my first time at an event like that.
‘‘I was outsprinted late by a Mexican competitor. Rotterdam was a really cool place, it was awesome being able to visit somewhere like that.’’
Most people would be gutted at finishing fourth and outside a medal but not Millar.
‘‘I was reasonably happy and still am. Top 15 was my goal and to get fourth was pleasing.’’
He said competing at an event was hugely satisfying and was a good leveller to see where he was first season as a been one worth at. ‘‘I came out of the water in about 19th spot and just missed the main break on the bike but then my run was the second fastest, so I’ll just keep working on my swimming and keep the bike and run consistent.’’
He wants to qualify for the world event again in the Gold Coast in 2018. ‘‘It is a goal but not my main one, if I do gain qualification then that would be nice because it’s a lot closer next year.’’
Millar’s first race is the Pegasus Triathlon in November, which is a qualifying event for the Gold Coast, followed by the Timaru Triathlon where he wants to defend his title.
‘‘Definitely that’d be nice. I just hope we get a good turnout and the weathers better than last year.’’
Challenge Wanaka is in February and it’s an event Millar wants to perform in.
‘‘They are doing the New Zealand champs there and I’m aiming to do as well as I can.’’
Just what follows after Challenge Wanaka remains to be seen but Millar has come along way since jumping on his bike 10 months ago.