Top start to season

Recently elected Rockingham Triathlon Club president Sandy De La Mare’s enthusiasm and dedication to the sport is clear to see.

The committed athlete, who donned club colours to represent the city at the Las Vegas World Championships in September, said this year’s season had started with a bang.

She said it was just weeks into the 2013-14 season and club members already had reason to celebrate, with husband and wife competitors Lynne and Nathan Hart qualifying for next year’s world championships in Canada and competitors celebrating success in both Sunday’s State Inter-Club Competition and last weekend’s Rustico Tapas Triathlon.

De La Mare said 61 adults and 54 juniors took part in the first Rustico Tapas and Bar-sponsored race of the season, with Brett Johnson taking gold in the senior long course race.

“The Rockingham Triathlon Club season is well and truly under way — we had a great field for the Rustico’s race on November 24,” she said.

“Brett Johnson caught Alan Bone in the run leg and finished 15 seconds ahead, in just 43 minutes and 56 seconds.

“Another of the club’s sponsors, Glenn Pesich, of Woodbridge Physiotherapy, gained a top-10 placing.”

De La Mare said the Trystars junior members, aged between seven and 15, had taken part in one of three distances, with young triathletes Reece Harris, Neve Houlihan, Kody Sharpes, Sophie Clarke, Jake Thomson and Pippa Mann taking individual honours.

Member of four years, Nathan Hart said the whole family was involved in the sport and he and his wife were planning to take their children, Naomi, 13, Leah, 10, and Nina, 8, who are also dedicated to the sport, along to next year’s Canadian world championships.

He said triathlon was the ideal sport because it allowed the participants to eat what they wanted, but remain fit through rigorous training.

Those interested in getting involved are asked to phone 0438 100 324.