The Port Nelson Schools Triathlon Championships were held on 6th March at Rabbit Island. With a stunning flat warm sea and clear day, the conditions were set for a wonderful day's racing.

The strong age group and individual fields included competitors from across the Top of the South, as well as two North Island schools, who were testing the course before the upcoming national championships.

All 12 members of the Nayland College team performed admirably and had a huge amount of fun. Many surprised both themselves and the competition with some outstanding results.

Top 3 finishes included:

• 1st Place - Under 14 Boys Team of Jesse Richardson and Seth Siebelink
• 2nd Place - Under 14 Girls Team of Skye Humphries, Emma Cottom and Saran Adams
• 2nd Place - Under 19 Mixed Team of Sophie Bismark, Lars Koehler, and Jakob Schlichting
• 2nd Place - Under 19 Individual Girls, Ella Holmes
• 3rd Place - Under 19 Individual Girls, Paulina Seibel

A mention also must be made of Jaxon Marshall's excellent 4th place effort in the largest and most competitive field of the day, the Under 16 Boys individual race.

Overall, against 10 competing secondary schools, Nayland College finished the championships as the second placed school behind winners, Waimea College.

Congratulations to all the athletes who took part and a big thank you to the Nelson Tri Club and the many volunteers who made the day such a success.

Photo credits to: Port Nelson Schools Triathlon photographer Janice Coyle