It is the turn of the women and for New Zealand that means Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels when the women’s triathlon is raced at the Rio Olympic Games tonight (2am NZT).
Gwen Jorgensen (USA) will go in as one of the shortest price favourites at these Olympics, but there are athletes with the capability of mixing it up during the race and causing the imperious American a problem or two, with Nicola Spirig (SUI) back to defend her title and Helen Jenkins (GBR) already having shown that the world number one can be beaten this season.
Very much in the mix also is our own Andrea Hewitt. The 34 year old has been in consistent form this season and is looking to secure an elusive Olympic medal, following 8th (Beijing) and 6th (London) place finishes.
 Gwen Jorgensen, Andrea Hewitt and Nicky Samuels(Photo: Janos Schmidt / ITU; click to enlarge) |
“This is going to be a really tough course and it’s the Olympics as well. While we race against each other all the time, the Olympics is different,” said Hewitt.
“I would love it if the wind blew and we had some surf – it would be like my old days in surf lifesaving. The climb up the hill each lap on the bike will be a test and perhaps provide a chance for a break.
“I’m excited about the race and love the experience of being in the village. It’s been fun mixing with the other athletes.”
Samuels is, like Hewitt, a strong bike rider and is expecting that the hill will be a key part of the race and deciding the medals.
“I’ve ridden the course and the hills are not as steep as I thought but it is longer. The eight laps will definitely take it out of the legs and I hope I have come in with good bike fitness. The harder the bike then the better for the Kiwis.
“I would be happy with a top eight finish. My aim is for a strong swim and then bike as hard as I can to dampen some of the speed from the pure runners.”
