Lakefield resident Luke Spencer was chuffed after his podium in the men’s sprint distance race during the SEESA Jozi Triathlon at CR Swart Park on September 28.
Spencer went up against a strong field that included top junior triathletes Nicholas Horne and Philip Theron. He clocked 01:08:01 to claim the silver, finishing behind Horne, who won in a dominant 01:02:43.
Theron completed the top three at 01:49 after Spencer.
“I’m very happy. The swim was quite tough. Open water swimming is a bit different from the pool but it was good. It was all glare swimming across the dam but once I could see, I was good to go,” he said.
The Pinnacle College learner went into the event aiming high. He made an easy transition into cycling where he pushed himself hard and finished comfortably after his one-lap 5km run around the Ebotse Golf and Country Estate.
“I had my shoes attached to the bike. I just took my wetsuit and goggles and jumped on the bike. I knew I’m a strong cyclist, so I made a lot of time there and then had a good run.”
He is preparing for the JHB Tinman #4 incorporating the Tshwane Triathlon Association and Central Gauteng Triathlon Championships on October 27 in Midrand.
“I hope to finish in the top three in my category,” said Spencer.
This achievement in Rynfield comes on the back of a successful school cross-country season where he was eliminated at the provincial championships in Brakpan in August.
“It was a rough season. I had a knee injury after falling off a bike earlier this year. I went to the D17 champs and was eliminated at the Gauteng Championships.”
He cited consistency, having fun and trusting the process for his success in his sports.
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