Spencer grabs second successive podium at Jozi Triathlon

Following his recent success at the SEESA Jozi Triathlon on September 27, local triathlete Luke Spencer has his sights set on one day representing South Africa at the world sprint distance championships.

Spencer secured his second successive podium at the third edition of the event, held at the East Rand Speedboat Club at CR Swart Dam, finishing third in the men’s sprint distance in a time of 01:09:08.

“I plan to go to the University of Stellenbosch next year and join their triathlon club and see how it goes. I would also love to go to the World Sprint Triathlon Championships. That’s the goal,” said the Pinnacle College Rynfield matriculant.

Last year, Spencer claimed second place in 01:08:01 in the same race, but this time he lined up after recently recovering from an Achilles injury.

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“Going through an injury as an athlete is very tough. It affects your mental and physical health because the triathlon is like your life in a way. I knew today I had to give it my best,” he said.

Spencer delivered a strong performance, with solid swim and bike legs keeping him in podium contention. He eventually finished behind defending champion Nicholas Horne, who took first in 01:02:38, and runner-up Eric Breedt, who crossed the line in 01:07:46.

“I’ve been battling with an Achilles injury for the past two months. I kept a good tempo in the swim to keep speed and not lose time. I felt really good in the first half, but fatigued in the second. On the bike, I knew I would be strong, so I pushed really hard and kept the tempo. Then I just had to hold the pace in the run,” Spencer reflected.

The junior triathlete also finished second behind Horne in the Central Gauteng Triathlon championships, which were incorporated into the event.

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