On Thursday a team of 14 East Taieri Triathletes travelled to Owaka to compete at the Otago Triathlon Championships. We had a group of 9 Yr 5 kids who traveled down from Mosgiel and 5 very tired Yr 6 children who traveled across from camp in Pukarau.

All our athletes were determined and pushed through the challenging, hilly course. I was so proud of everyone's efforts  and the sportsmanship our teams showed.

We had some outstanding results:

Year 6 Girls: Elzanne H 1st place
Year 6 Boys: Jack McGr 3rd Place

Year 6 Girls team 6th place - Luca, Georgia, Charlotte L

Year 5 Boys Team: 3rd Place - Leo, Carter, Gus

Year 5 Mixed team: 4th Place - Lucas, Arnelle, George

Year 5 Girls team: 6th place - Pippa, Vanessa, Madison

Elzanne showed so much determination to come away with the win. She battled through the run leg and kept in touch with the leading pack. A strong bike leg saw her move into 2nd position and a gutsy swim saw her home for first! What an exciting race Elzanne.

Jack used his strong running and swimming skills to his advantage to come away with 3rd place. Jack came in off the run with the leading pack. He kept in touch with the leaders on the bike and zipped through the pool to finish in 3rd, just half a stroke length away from the second place recipient. An amazing result for Jack after finishing 8th in the Dunedin Champs after some technical difficulties.

Year 5 Boys: Leo shot away and blitz the run for the ET boys team. He came in first off the run and set his team up for a strong race. Carter biked strong on the long windy course and fought hard to come in second. Gus swam his heart out in the pool and was pipped touching the wall just a second after the second place getters. An amazing race by all.

Year 5 Mixed team: Lucas was a pocket rocket on the run, leaving every bit of energy he had on the course. He set Arnelle up in a great position for the bike. Arnelle pushed hard through the bike leg, competing against kids who were a year older than her, she held her own and biked with great strength. George used his long, strong limbs to power the team home and put them comfortably in 4th place. A great result, well done team!

Year 5 Girls: Pippa started the team off strong and ran her hardest over the steep hilly run course, something we aren't used to here in Mosgiel! Vanessa biked her heart out into a head wind down the long straight showing great strength. Madison swam home confidently and finished the race well for the team. Well done girls!

Year 6 Girls: These girls showed great resilience to step up and race hard on tired bodies! Georgia paced herself well through the hilly run course and set Luca in good position for the bike. A determine Luca didn't let anyone pass her on the bike as she pushed through the head wind. Charlotte gave her all in the swim and finished the girls off strong. Well done girls, I am so proud of your huge effort.

A special thanks to all of our parent helpers, we could not have participated without your help! A special mention to Keith C for being our team's marshal out on the course, very much appreciated!

This has been such an amazing series to be a part of. I look forward to the triathlon races next year!