Youngsters show off their skills to sporting heroes

Niko Nicholson cools down after crossing the finish line. Photo / Steven McNicholl

The young athletes couldn't have asked for a better day to kick off the 2010 Tryathlon series.

More than 600 youngsters aged 7 to 15 swam, cycled and ran their way around the tough circuit at Mountford Park, Manurewa, yesterday.

The warm, sunny weather meant it was important for kids to stay hydrated and sun-smart.

Triathlete and Olympian Debbie Tanner got her start in the Weet-Bix Tryathlon at age 12.

"I love the variety of the sport and the fun atmosphere. It's a great way to get going."

Tanner, with Valerie Vili, was on hand to congratulate participants and dish out medals at the finish line.

"It's a neat thing to see how enthusiastic they are - it's an inspiration," said Tanner.

Vili told the children to "just have fun and reach the finish line".

Competitor Kate Armstrong, 7, used her gymnastics stretches to get warmed up for her first triathlon.

Kate trained hard for the event by swimming for 45 minutes a week and practising cycling with her dad and running with her mum.

She said swimming was her best section; running was a little more difficult. "It's hard to keep running at the same pace."

Twins Kennedy and Taylah Hiroa-Maiava, 10, completed the bike section as part of a relay team and were excited to meet Vili, their sporting hero.

The girls practised every day for two weeks by cycling 8km.

"I think it is a privilege," said Kennedy. "A lot of other children want to do this.

Now in its 18th year, the Weet-Bix Tryathlon is all about taking part.

There are no place-getters, as the event is non-competitive.

The series will travel around the country to 12 towns and cities in February and March.