Abu Dhabi: More than 200 aspiring multisport stars set off from Abu Dhabi’s Corniche on Friday for one of the largest junior sporting events in the region – the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Junior Triathlon and Aquathlon races.
The trio of events, for youngsters aged between five and 17, led the way for what organisers say will be a thrilling triathlon weekend in the UAE’s capital, culminating in the elite races of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Abu Dhabi Corniche was buzzing for the junior spectacular, which was raced in three formats: ‘Tiny Triathlete’ - a 50-metre swim and a 100-metre run (5-8 years); ‘Junior Aquathlon’ featuring a 200-metre swim and 1.5-km run (9-15 years); and ‘Junior Triathlon Super Sprint’, which consists of a 375-metre swim, 10-km cycle and a 2.5-km run (11-17 years).
Fourteen-year-old Dylan Smith won the Under-18 Super Sprint distance and was delighted to have finished in a time of just 00:34:57. He said: “I’m really happy to come first overall and I had so much fun. I train every day and love triathlon, so I’m glad my training paid off today.”
Joining Dylan at top of the junior podium was fellow 14-year-old Jasmin Grey, from the British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi, who won the hotly contested girls’ event. “I’m really happy, it was a great race and such an amazing event, especially here in Abu Dhabi,” she said. “Triathlon is my passion, I really enjoy it and I hope to do more races in the future.”
Elsewhere in the field, inspirational nine-year-old Oliver Faulkner took part in the Junior Aquathlon and received huge support from spectators on the sidelines. Oliver was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was two years old and completed the 200-metre swim and 1.5-kilometre run alongside his mother, Sema. Oliver was delighted with his race finish and had a moving message for his peers: “It was a lot of fun but a bit harder than I expected. I enjoyed it a lot because my mum was with me.
“I want to spread the word to any other kids with special needs that sport is for everyone and everyone can have a go. A child with special needs can do anything any other kid does.”
Race Director for the junior races and President of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club, Daniel Hughes, was thrilled with the turnout and the festival atmosphere. “These junior events are a great way to encourage youngsters to stay active while having fun, and it was fantastic to see hundreds of kids of all ages and abilities competing in today’s races,” he said. “Tomorrow we will witness the very best athletes in the world compete on the same course and we hope to see some of our UAE-raised young triathletes in the ITU World Abu Dhabi elite races in years to come.”
For those wanting to cheer on their friends, family and compatriots in tomorrow’s age-group and elite races, the free-to-enter Race Village at the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club is the perfect venue, organisers say.
The bustling village features a 1,000-seater grandstand on the finish line, a bike park, a ‘Friends and Family’ area, a kids’ zone to keep the little ones entertained and numerous refreshment kiosks.
Saturday’s elite races will be broadcast live on Abu Dhabi Sports TV and globally from 1pm to 3pm and 4pm to 6pm, and a live web stream will be available on www.triathlonlive.tv.
The first wave of age-group athletes will start after sunrise at 6.15am and the elites will continue their road to Rio in their races at 1pm (men) and 4pm (women).
Free parking is available at Marina Mall on both Friday and Saturday.
