Grace is national champion as young Arran triathletes shine
Arran Junior Triathlon Club has been working hard in training all season and on Saturday June 17 they travelled as a strong contingent with their supporters to Bellahouston Park.
With the clouds parting and the sun coming out, 19 Arran children were ready to shine. Luke Goatley and Gregor Gunaydi joined the club in January 2017 and, ready for their first nationals, they both took to the course with energy and enthusiasm. Luke finished in eighth place with a time of 11.38; Gregor was not far behind in 12th place with a time of 12.18.
As the boys completed their race, Grace Popplewell, our only Tri-Star girl, was in the pool ready to start her swim. Coming out of the pool sixth, Grace made a dash to get on her bike and complete the lap required before the run. With the supporters cheering, Grace made her way onto the run course, overtaking to get into second place.
Grace was not going to finish this race without a fight and as she entered the final stage of her run she overtook to gain the lead. A sprint finish ensued and with all her might Grace crossed the line to loud cheering. Waiting proudly, her dad scooped his winner up to give her a much deserved hug. Our first junior triathlon champion winner completed the course with an amazing time of 10.59.
Arran’s four Tri-Star 1 boys – Ben McCarthy, Jack Popplewell, Myles Lindsay-Smith and Andrew Currie – were next to take on the course.
With the sun getting hotter, the boys were not going to let the heat get to them. After the excitement of the first two races, Ben and Jack sprinted closely into the finish. Ben finished with a fantastic time of 21.13 and with an impressive 21.15.
Myles Lindsay-Smith finished the race with a superb time of 21.55. Andrew finished brilliantly, racing off with a time of 23.12.
The Tri-Star 1 girls were represented by last year’s Tri-Star podium winner, Rhea Webster and Ruby Wright. Rhea and Ruby have enjoyed a fantastic season and were keen to show everyone how much they enjoy triathlon. Rhea finished the course with a brilliant time of 21.37; Ruby was incredibly close with a time of 21.48.
Next up were Arran’s Tri-Star 2 Boys Ruaridh Lindsay-Smith, James McCarthy, Connah Wright and Archie Gunaydi. They were ready and raring to go on the course. With the cheering still going on as loudly, Ruaridh completed with a fabulous time of 26.25.
James was Arran’s next triathlete over the finish line with a fantastic time of 27.35. Archie worked hard through the run with a stitch and was rewarded with a time of 28.53. Connah completed his first triathlon only two weeks
ago and is starting out on his triathlon journey. The heat was too much and the medics recommended he retire from the race. Connah is determined to continue training hard with the club and will be back with fighting spirit at the next triathlon.
Four eager Tri-Star 2 girls – Julie Hamill, Erin McNiven, Beth McCarthy and Abbie Stewart – took to their race with the same strength and determination shown throughout the day by Arran’s junior triathletes.
Julie was our first club competitor back with a superb time of 28.43. Abbie obtained an excellent time of 31.12 and was closely followed by Erin with fantastic time of 32.11.
As the girls were competing Beth took a knock to her bike but this wasn’t going to stop her finishing the race and she carried on regardless. Finishing with a time of 41.10, the crowd were rewarded by Beth’s trademark bright smile.
Her team-mates were ready and waiting to congratulate her for never giving up.
Our last two competitors of the day – Ciara Wood (Tri-Star 3) and Eilidh Hamill (youth) – are always on hand to provide support and encouragement to all the young club members throughout the day.
They assist the younger members when they are struggling and celebrate with them when they are succeeding.
Both girls were keen to finish the day off in true Arran junior triathlon style, determined and with a smile. Ciara completed her race with a fantastic time of 35.10. Eilidh finished the day superbly with a time of 47.46.
After all the fun of racing, our triathletes were ready to watch the prize-giving ceremony. As the champion of the Tristar girls race, our very own Grace Popplewell was announced to the loudest cheers and clapping that could be heard. All of the parents and members of the Arran Junior Triathlon Club would like to congratulate Grace on her success.
The club would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the members for their hard work. The season is not over and we will return after the summer holidays for more brilliant racing.
Thank you also to the parents who provide support for all of the triathletes and coaching staff. The club is not just known for our superstars but for the supporters’ club that travel with them to their races across Scotland.
On a final note from the children, parents and coaching staff, we would like to extend a huge thank to our wonderful community – the club would not be able to function without this support and we look forward to updating you with many more successes in the future.
Craig Wood