Greytown's Hamish Hammond is set to make a bold showing at the world triathlon championships in Beijing, China on September 10 and 11.
Hammond, who is studying at Massey University, will be representing New Zealand in the highly competitive 20-24yrs age group and showed he was primed for the occasion by winning the under-23 elite grade at the national duathlon championships in Taupo last weekend.
That event attracted more than 500 entrants ranging from year seven and eight students to open elite, with Hammond's race involving a 10km run followed by a 50km cycle ride and a 5km run. His winning time was 1hr 49mins 47secs and not only did it win him the national title in his age group but the Oceania title as well. It was also good enough to place him second overall in the open elite grade. The winner, Michael Poole, clocked 1hr 56mins 21secs.
Third was Sam Osborne in 2hrs 0mins 36secs.
