Springs’ own u-23 ITU Cross Tri World Champ
Patience, skill and experience earned Springs resident Brad Edwards (23) a gold in the u-23 International Triathlon Union (ITU) Cross Triathlon World Championship.
The ITU-organised race was held at Snowy Mountains in Australia on Monday.
Wearing his green and gold kit, he proudly represented South Africa and finished the event in 02:48:22.
Read:Â Springs athlete shines at SA Triathlon Champs
Brad, an ex-Springs Boys’ High (SBHS) headboy, says the conditions were pretty hot.
According to his father Derek, Brad was totally elated and a touch emotional when he crossed the finish line.
“Brad always believed he was capable of achieving this goal and he simply went about it in a quiet and calculated way,” he says.
Brad knew he was in front on the bike leg and the run, but the swimming stage was quite tough.
He completed the 2.5km run in 49 minutes and the 1.5km swim in 00:18:50.
Brad claims it is never comfortable at the front, as anything can happen so “you have to give it your all to stay ahead and build a lead”.
Read:Â Springs sportsman goes places
“The possibility of a puncture can cost you the lead,” says his father.
The mountain bike trails included rocky paths, bridges, rock gardens and creek crossings – which required a high level of skill, but that didn’t deter Brad, as his superb bike handling skills contributed to his time of 01:38:55 in the bike trail.
During a practice session last Thursday, he fell off his bike and hurt his shoulder, but he recovered well.
This Springs Wheelers Cycling Club member came fourth in the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships in the 20 to 24 years category, in 2015.
He won the SA Triathlon Championships held in East London last year and in 2013 he came second in the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships held in Chicago, in the 20 to 24 years age group.
He’s received his Gauteng triathlon colours 14 times and has been selected ever since.
Brad was also selected to be part of the Team MTN Qhubeka, who won the 23rd annual Coronation
Double Century on November 21, 2015 in a time of 05:05:41.
Another ex-SBHS pupil Jeffrey Neetling – a friend of Brad – competed in the ITU Cross Triathlon World Championships Elite Men’s race.
“Springs can be proud of having these athletes competing at this level,” Derek added.
Brad is studying industrial engineering at the University of Pretoria.
