The Sovereign Tri Series continues with event number three for the summer and the first for the year 2016 when Wanaka hosts the South Island Championships amongst a host of races to suit all abilities this Saturday at Roy’s Bay.
Those competing in the Standard Distance (1500m swim, 39km bike, 10km run) will be competing in their respective five year age brackets for South Island Championship medals, while others will choose to take on the more achievable short distance event, with off and on-road options to cater for mountain bikes and road bikes alike.
 Wanaka at sunrise |
Event Director Stuart Dwight says the event is gaining in interest in its second year back on the calendar after a two year hiatus.
“These South Island events are important to us as a national body (Tri NZ runs the Sovereign Tri Series), ensuring that we provide opportunities for triathlon communities in the South Island to engage in the Sovereign Tri Series and to have the chance to post a result at a secondary qualifying event for World Championship age group teams without having to travel great distances.
“But equally this is about participation, with events on offer for the kids (Splash and Dash), the beginners or those who have a good level of fitness and want to dip their toes in a standard distance event before perhaps taking on an event like Challenge Wanaka (February). Everyone is welcome, we have great briefings from our world leading technical team, a chance to walk through transition to understand how it all works and even get some tips from the likes of Olympian Nicky Samuels on the day. It all adds up to a welcoming environment in which to participate, whether for the first time or the hundredth time in a triathlon.”
 Why are you not packing yet? |
Indeed the timing is in part to allow those racing at Challenge Wanaka on February 20 the chance to have a hit out on parts of the course, not the least of which is getting used to swimming in the fresh and crisp waters of Lake Wanaka.
The schedule also features the second event in the National Junior Series. The brainchild of Tri NZ with the support of regional coaches, clubs and event promoters, the National Junior Series is intended to promote high quality junior draft-legal racing at focused events during the summer for athletes aged 16 to 19. The events endorse and support the work of the Regional Youth Academies in the High Performance pathway.
But it is the first timers or the stories of people being inspired by the sport of triathlon to change their lifestyles for the better that best capture the essence of the Sovereign Tri Series, as highlighted by just a few of those taking to the start line this Saturday:
20kg Down And Time For The First Triathlon
Ruby Davidson, Southland. Racing in the women’s 25-29 age group. “When my mum died unexpectedly it made me look at life differently. I decided to take charge of my life and start getting fit. Six months of biking to work and running I've lost 20kg. I feel so much healthier. I'm now keen to challenge myself with my first triathlon!”
Overcoming A Fractured Spine
Holly Pawson, Dunedin. Racing in the women’s 25-29 age group. “This year after my wedding I decided that it was time to give triathlon a go again after fracturing my spine six years ago when I fell from a tree in Samoa and avoiding running for some time. It has been a challenge with the nerve problems but made worse when I was hit by a car cycling in May this year. 2015 has been an attempt to defy the hip knee and back injuries that continue to plague me... but without a doubt triathlon keeps me mentally strong! A little optimism and determination goes a long way! Loving it.
Plane Crash Can’t Keep Queenstown Local From Flying High
Kate Wilkinson, Queenstown. Women’s 20-24 age group. “In 2009 I was in a plane crash where the plane crashed into the water in Fiji. Immediately after it I felt challenged within every aspect of what I was doing I couldn't think straight, couldn't do anything as the near-death experience impacted me massively, more so than anyone can imagine. I chose to change my tune, I took up meditation. So for the past 7 years I have taken 20 minutes of time to myself every single day to sit quietly in my room and meditate. In instances where it has been noisy I have used earplugs - not a day has gone by where I have not done it! It is more important to me than brushing my teeth! It has helped me to deal with the traumatic experience and not to mention helps me hugely with any challenges that I am faced with in my life! It is great!!! If only they taught the technique in schools! It’s been an amazing life tool to learn and use!!!”
Registration is from 4pm at Roys Bay on Friday 8 January, with racing set to begin from 7am (registration) and continue through until prize giving at approximately 1pm.
