Aquathlon rivals find they can’t break Wall

LINDSEY Wall dominated the field to win the Gold Coast Open Aquathlon at Broadwater Parklands yesterday.

Wall posted a blistering time of 24:32 in the aquathlon, the only event in the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final that doesn’t require qualification, to finish 25 seconds ahead of runner up Christian Wilson.

The pair were among just four competitors to finish in under 26 minutes, with Cesar Isacc Cardenas Torres (25:20) and Brennen Smith

(25:34) also impressing.

Sarai Hemara (28:07) was the top female, finishing 14th.

Smith (7:20) held a healthy lead over Wilson (7:34) and Wall (7:36) after the 750m swim leg, but the latter’s impressive time of 16:22 for the 5km run proved the difference.

Lining up in the 45-49 years age division, 1993 Australian Ironman champion Guy Andrews finished 18th after sitting fourth after the swim leg.

Andrews (pictured), 47, earlier this year told the Bulletin resuming triathlon and surf lifesaving competitions was a “no-brainer” after he started coaching at Tallebudgera Surf Lifesaving Club.

“I’ve been doing a few triathlons and races that have a start and a finish and then you are done but here (at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships) I’m getting back into that carnival atmosphere with lots of races you can have a go at,” he said at the time.

The aquathlon was part of the first day of events at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final on the Coast, with the Age Group – Sprint Distance event to be held today before the under-23 men and women race tomorrow.

The paratriathlon, junior men and women, and elite women will race on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s Age Group – Standard Distance, Under 23/Junior – Mixed Relay and elite men’s events.