Newbies and youngsters at Jozi Triathlon good for growth of sport
"This is a sport we want to see grow. It’s nice to see newbies and youngsters coming up."
Former Morehill resident Dean Coetzee said seeing first-timers and youngsters compete at the SEESA Jozi Triathlon in Rynfield on September 28 was good for the growth of the sport.
Coetzee, who now lives in Durban, won the men’s super-sprint title in a flawless performance, cutting the tape in 36:53 to beat youngsters Kehoe Burgess (48:23) and Joshua Cowling (49:32).
“It was an incredible race. It was nice to see to see the crowd, especially the youngsters and newbies. It’s nice seeing the sport of triathlon grow,” he said after his win.
On his race strategy, the Laerskool Rynfield and Hoërskool Brandwag old boy said, “The water was fresh as expected at this time of the year. Coming from a swimming background, I capitalised on the swim”.
He added, “The bike route is nice and tough with ups and downs. I tried to conserve energy on the uphills and worked on the flats and downhills. On the run leg, I worked at my own pace and followed the game plan.”
The triathlete, part of Jozi Triathlon organiser Glen Gore’s Tri-Lab Multisport, advised young Benonians who would like to try the sport to contact a coach or join a triathlon club, adding it makes it easier to train in an environment with like-minded people.
“Start with either a swim, bike or run race. Get in touch with a local club or federation. Don’t be scared, just get started. This is a sport we want to see grow. It’s nice to see newbies and youngsters coming up,” Coetzee said.
Two out of two for Jackson
Spotting the Central Gauteng Triathlon (CGT) colours, local Amy Jackson successfully defended her women’s super-sprint title. She finished the race in 38:10, shaving 28 seconds off her PB after completing last year’s race in 38:38.
“It feels good to be back,” she said.
Responding to whether she would like to forge a triathlon career, the TC Aquatics swimmer said, “I would like to improve and get better. Last year’s race was my first triathlon. I’ve done more throughout the year. It’s been good. We are getting there and improving.”
Holy Rosary School for Girls dominated the women’s race as Jackson’s schoolmates Caitlyn Dukoff-Gordon (39:30) and Siobhan Evans (39:46) were second and third, respectively.
The school’s Paige Mills was second in the women’s sprint race after clocking 01:18:23 to help Holy Rosary to the school’s team title.
Also Read: In Pictures: The second annual SEESA Jozi Triathlon
Also Read: Naudè and O’Leary win inaugural Jozi Triathlon
