Press Release – Triathlon ACT

Kerrie Muir became ACT’s latest Triathlon World Champ silver medalist when she produced an inspirational performance to claim second in the female 50-54 age group at the 2015 International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Cross Triathlon (X-Tri) Championships in Sardinia, Italy.

Muir, from the Vikings Triathlon Club, was one of the stars of the Australian team,  along with Matilda Terry who won gold in the 18-19 category and professional athlete, Ben Allen claiming 5^th over the 1500m swim, 31km MTB and 9.6km trail run.  Robyn and Simon Lazenby, who will bring the 2016 ITU Cross Triathlon Champs to Lake Crackenback in NSW were elated to see Muir shine. “To see her racing with such determination through the race you would have thought she was half her age and she definitely did her country proud.”

Robyn told us that “Kerrie had a blinder of a race.  With a very strong swim, she was the 3^rd Australian woman to exit the water.  At the half way point of a physically challenging mountain bike course she was looking strong and determined and on the run she was all smiles along the challenging beach terrain.  She certainly is an amazing athlete and we look forward to seeing her race at the world champs in Australia, where, who knows, we could have yet another world champion.”

Muir was in amazing shape all summer winning both the Australian Championships and Oceania Championships for the 50-54 female category and finishing near the top of the overall rankings in each race. Her form leading into the World Championships was exceptional until two weeks prior when she crashed while MTBing. She sustained rib injuries and nearly pulled out of the event. Her determination, resilience and some Rock Tape to hold everything in place led her to the start line and an outstanding silver medal performance.

Cross Triathlon is rapidly growing in popularity with its off-road, challenging and fun nature. Many courses are held in some of the worlds most scenic locations with 2016 world champs qualifiers being held in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. In2Adventure, have formed a Pathway Partners Program, which connects with clubs, coaches and squads throughout Australia who will be hosting training and development programs aimed at helping competitors to qualify for the World X-Tri Champs in 2016.

ACT’s top triathletes have been performing with distinction at recent World Triathlon events with Katie Kelly securing a Rio Olympics start with her spectacular win at the 2015 ITU World Paratriathlon Championships and six ACT athletes finishing the prestigious 2015 Hawaii Ironman World Championships. This weekend 29 ACT athletes, led by Adam Rudgley in the U23 Elite race, will compete at the 2015 ITU World Duathlon Championships in Adelaide.

The next race in the ACT Triathlon Series is the Jackie Fairweather Memorial Triathlon held on 7-8^th November at Rond Terraces in Canberra. There are events for everyone including a Sprint Distance, Novice, TRYstars Kids, Junior / Elite draft-legal race, 5km Retro Run, Paratriathlon and the Jackie Fairweather Dinner. www.icanrace.com.au for more details.

Event results

For further information on Triathlon in the ACT region please contact Craig Johns at director@act.triathlon.org.au or visit the Triathlon ACT website.

Photo Credit: In2Adventure