Birketts take on best in world

MT EDGECOMBE residents, Minky and Dave Birkett, jetset to the United Kingdom on Monday 9 September to take part in the World Triathlon Championship in London.

Both, who are part of the TriX triathlon group, were winners of their categories (60 to 64 age group, men and women respectively) at the Natal Triathlon Champs in Richardsbay recently and qualified for the worlds at the South African Champs in East London.

For the Birketts it’s an exciting race as they’ll be swimming their 1500m leg of the race in the Serpentine Lake, then cycle through the city and finish with a run three times around London’s Hyde Park.

It was Dave who got the ball on the triathlon roll about 10 years ago when he hurt his back and had to stop playing squash. Minky then followed suit and also started on her triathlon journey.

For Dave and Minky the most exciting part of the race is knowing their months’ of hard work will finally pay off.

“The fact that we spent many months training, knowing the hard work has already been done, is the real reward. There are more than 5 000 athletes from more than 60 countries taking part in the worlds, with about 40 athletes from South Africa taking part,” said Dave.

“We have made some really amazing friends in the triathlon world,” Minky added.

But the Birketts are no strangers to the triathlon and duathlon worlds, having both competed in the World Duathlon Championships in Spain two years ago. Dave also previously competed in the triathlon worlds in Switzerland.

Minky, who will compete against 44 other women in her age group, hopes to finish in the top 10, while Dave, who will compete against 71 other athletes, hopes for a top 20 finish.

They are also rooting for their friends, Gabby Webber (25 to 29 age group) and John Macarton (40 to 44 age group).

And their advice for those who may want to take on the sport: “It’s three events that are so different, but one assits the other. It is a fantastic way to put your life in order and to lead a healthy lifestyle.”