Biathle success for Ramos siblings of Southbroom

Ramos siblings Kaitlyn and Keagan are well and truly back into the swing of things for the new school year.

Kaitlyn is at St John’s DSG and Keagan has just started at Maritzburg College.

But while most youngsters were enjoying a relaxed holiday, these two were representing South Africa in the World Biathle Championships at Santos Beach, Mossel Bay in December last year.

They travelled to the champs with their parents Andrew and Phyllis of Southbroom.

It was slightly different to what usually takes place as the swim was in the sea with the transition on the beach.

In the U17 event, the format was 800m run, 200m swim and 800m run.

Kaitlyn (15), competed in the U17 age group which included 15 and 16 year-old girls. As there were less competitors there was no semi-final and she progressed straight to the finals.

She started well and was in second place on the first lap, however she struggled during the transition in putting her shoes back on and dropped to fourth.

This was where she finished, but she had some consolation in that she was third of the South African contestants and also clocked a new personal best time.

In addition, Team SA placed first in this division.

For the U15s, it was 800m run, 100m swim and 800m run.

Unlike his sister, Keagan (13), competed over two days, first in a semi-final and then in the finals.

The semi-finals comprised two heats with 46 competitors in total. Keagan placed 20th and made it though to the final heat.

This took place the following day, where he was up against 36 competitors. He was ranked 20th and managed to improve on that with a 17th place finish and an overall personal best time.

All in all it was a great experience and they are already planning ahead for this year’s world champs which will be held in Madeira in October.

This will be extra special for the Ramos family as it is where Andrew’s family is from.

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