Youngsters make a splash at Tryathlon

Participation, not winning, was the main focus of yesterday's children's triathlon. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Yesterday's heat made the swimming leg more of a treat than a race for 2880 youngsters who took part in the Weet-Bix Tryathlon at St Heliers, in Auckland.

After completing her 200m swim, two laps of the cycling course and a run, Liva'ne Ratu, of Pukekohe, was pleased with her time of 9min 52sec.

"It was fun," said the 11-year-old, who was in the team of 58 entered by the Huakina Development Trust.

The cycling leg was the favourite for Emma Jorgensen, 7, of St Johns.

"I trained getting on my bike by myself for the race but my teacher held it for me, so I was not nervous."

Emma had a shiny medal draped around her neck by Olympic shotputter Valerie Adams, part of the celebrity reception at the finish line.

"It's awesome, there's a great set of kids out here," said Adams, who worked solidly alongside netball star Temepara George and triathletes Bevan Docherty and Maddie Dillon giving high-fives and autographing bathing caps and T-shirts.

This year, children were encouraged to attempt all three legs rather than taking a team approach where they could choose just their favourite.

The event, which is for 7- to 15-year-olds and emphasises participation rather than winning, will be repeated at Narrow Neck Beach on the North Shore on Sunday, March 20.