More than 50 young competitors, as well as mums, dads, family and friends were drawn by the glorious weather to Maldwyn Leisure Centre for the Maldwyn Junior Triathlon sponsored by Welsh Triathlon Cymru, Maldwyn Harriers and Powys County Council.
Over five age groups ranging from under 8s to Youth (15/16 years) the competitors put in some terrific performances over the triathlon disciplines of swimming (between 50m and 400m depending on age), cycling (800m to 6km) and running (400m to 2.8km).
In the Youth category Rowan Shirra (right) dominated the swim phase over 16 lengths of the pool and went into the cycling with a commanding lead only to be overhauled by Cameron James who built up a similar advantage going into the running. However Rowen’s better pace judgement proved decisive as she determinedly clawed back the lead over 2.8km of the track to win in a time of 38:43 with Cameron second in 40:17.
The boys’ Tri Star 3 category (13 and 14 years of age) was dominated by former Wales U13 1500m champion Joseph Crutchley (below). He used his incredible running pedigree to overhaul a slight deficit after the first two disciplines, eventually winning in 26:17 ahead of Thomas Shelton who put in a sterling effort with a time of 29:10.
Rosie James was the emphatic winner of the girls’ Tri Star 3 event showing great all-round athleticism to finish more than four minutes clear of second placed Lauren Teasdale whose superior run saw her overcome Shannon Walker.
Fergus Downes took the honours in a highly competitive Tri Star 2 (11 and 12) event in 23:07 with just eight seconds separating 2nd and 4th places. Bryn Davies just edged out Rhys Owen and Oscar Crutchley who were both given the same time.
For the girls, Sioned Northeast was a gallant second place (28:44) behind a team effort of Team Morgan/Sevier/Mills, each attempting one discipline (28:33).
Fergus Downes (131) wins a close Tri Star 2 boys’ competition
Victory in the boys’ 9 and 10 year age group (Tri Star1) went to another collaborative endeavour, Team Downs/Davies/Mills. Yet again, the teamsters were pressed hard by a fine individual performance, courtesy of Alec Williams whose 15:08 finishing time was, like Sioned’s, just 11 seconds behind the winners. However had this been a mixed event then they would all have had to give precedence to Gemma Halstead who romped home in the girls’ race in 14:30 to record one of the best performances of the day.
Last but not least were the two Tri Star Start competitions for those aged 8 and under, in which Shaun Horobin and Jazmine Shirra (a second win of the day for the Shirra family, then) each recorded 8:03 to win their respective events, ahead of Charlie Williams and Elenid Rees respectively. Remember these names - they could be the stars of tomorrow.
The hugely enjoyable event was a credit to Welsh Triathlon Cymru, Maldwyn Harriers and Powys County Council and in particular Dave Peters and Katie Hamer for their organisation of what is hoped to be the first of many competitions of its kind.