TOP TRIATHLETE READY TO ROLL

EDWARD Dawson has been competing in triathlons since he was seven years old.

Now 25, he loves the sport and is looking forward to racing in today’s Olympic distance triathlon as part of the Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival.

“I’ve got a mixture of nerves and excitement. It should be a good fun day out there,” Dawson said.

“It’s always good to able to race at home and with all your mates.”

Dawson said being a triathlete was almost a “lifestyle” for himself and other people.

“There’s something special about doing all three sports and just being able to train and switch off after a busy day at work, it’s almost relaxing,” he said.

Dawson said the sport had a great spirit about it and everyone helped each out during the race.

“It’s one of those sports you don’t have to be the best in the world at, everyone is just out there plodding along and having the best time they can have,” he said.

Today Dawson is aiming to finish the event in under two hours but he said it was really about enjoying the experience.

However, the understated 25-year-old is using the event as a warm-up event for the 2019 ITU World Age Group Championships which are being held in Lausanne, Switzerland on September 1.

Dawson is competing in the championship as a member of the Australian team in the standard distance triathlon, 25-29 age group.

Today’s Olympic distance triathlon starts at 7.45pm from Strand Park.