On Sunday 30th March, our Year 11 Physical Education Studies General and Certificate II Sport & Recreation students competed in the annual Coogee Beach Triathlon.
Getting to school at 5am on a weekend, to load up the bike trailers and get onboard the buses, is a challenge in itself, so well done to all for committing to the experience. Their effort during the event did not disappoint and made for a very worthwhile morning of competition.
After 8 weeks of training and preparation in, what has been, hot weather, the big day came with challenging conditions. A storm was brewing, with lightning in the distance, as we drove in the dark to the picturesque location. However, as it turned out, the track was dry, very windy, and water conditions were relatively warm, flat with a slight drift off-shore.
The excitement and support among the group was great to see. With so many other competitors turning out for this event, which is an important national qualifier now, there were some nerves, especially given it was our students’ first ever Triathlon. But once they hit the water, the race was on.
First out of the water after the 300m swim, was Piper for the females (8.31) and Bailey for the males (7.45). Then transitioning onto the bike, Tom (22.20) and Piper (27.51), smashed the course, despite a very strong head breeze coming from the north during the uphill section.
Piper finished strong on the run leg (13.45) followed closely by Sophie (13.57), to come first and third in the females respectively, with Tilly slotting in second with consistent performances across the three disciplines. Tom also backed up with a strong run (9.50), coming first overall, with Zayde running his best leg (10.35), to come second, with Mackenna rounding out the Top 3 Males overall.
A competitor from the general public, after the race, complimented our students on how well spirited and encouraging they were out on the track, which is always great feedback to hear.
With no injuries and no malfunctions on the bike, it was a positive result with a euphoric sense of accomplishment and pride as students gathered in the recovery area after the race. Well done Year 11’s, whether you came first or just tried your best, you are all winners for embracing the experience and representing us with distinction.
Official results can be located online at: https://my.raceresult.com/319277/results#0_E007CB
