Local athlete wins her first triathlon
Amy Jackson swam the 200m course in 03:31, completed the 10km cycling in 20:48 and finished the 2km run in 14:18 to win the women's super-sprint event.
Amy Jackson expressed her delight after winning the women’s super-sprint race during the SEESA Jozi Triathlon in her first triathlon race on October 21 at CR Swart Park.
“I am super happy. I was not expecting to win, but it feels good because there were lots of people who were better than me,” she said.
Sporting blue Viking face paint, this TC Aquatics swimmer was the first athlete out of the water, cruising through the 200m swim in a quick-fire 03:31.
Although the transition from the swim to the cycling was difficult, the Holy Rosary School for Girls learner forged ahead and after a difficult 10km ride inside Ebotse Country Estate and Golf Club and over two minutes in T2, she found her footing on the run and finished the 2km course with composure. She breasted the tape in 38:38 to become the first lady at the finish.
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She was followed in second place by Chiara Temple, who crossed the line at 41:22. Her schoolmate Siobhan Evans rounded up the podium at 41:37.
“The race was good, but the transitions were hard. The switch from swimming to cycling was hard. The first part of the cycling was difficult, but as you got into it, it became easier.”
Lots of first-time participants from Benoni joined Jackson in the shortest race of the event and although many found it difficult, they were happy they made it to the finish.
“When I was swimming, all I kept saying was, ‘Lord, please help me’. With every stroke, I kept asking the Lord for help and he did because the jet-ski eventually came,” said Amanda Williams.
She was happy she completed the super sprint; although said the swimming was difficult with the wind, making it feel like the race was taking place in the ocean.
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“It was very difficult. The water was choppy. In my first five strokes, I swallowed lots of water. I battled. But I made it to the first buoy and back.
“I love cycling. I picked up nicely during the transition. My run was easier. I finished. That’s the main thing,” she said.
Despite some difficulties in the water, Dorothy McCracken said she enjoyed herself and would take part in the event again next year.
“The event was awesome. I loved the atmosphere and seeing everyone enjoying themselves. The swim was tough. The water was choppy. The cycling and running were better,” McCracken said.
