Multisport: Samuels takes bronze in world triathlon champs

Nicky Samuels won a bronze medal for New Zealand in the women's under-23 world triathlon championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, last night.

Samuels, of Whangarei, finished the 1.5km swim, 40km bike, and 10km run in a time of 2h 8m 33s.

She was 15s behind the winner, Erin Densham, and 12s behind Emma Moffat, both of Australia.

Samuels was leading with 2.5km to go.

But the Australians responded strongly to overtake her on the last lap.

In age group races yesterday, New Zealand won three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal.

Tony Dodds won the 18-19 age group with a time of 2h 11m 12s; in the the 20-24 category, Sam Mallard won silver in 2h 07m 17s and Tom Moyes collected a bronze in 2h 08m 59s.

John Hellemans, of Canterbury, won the 50-54 years category for his eighth world title in a time of 2h 17m 27s.

Fiona Mackay finished second in the women's 30-34 age group and in the 70-74 age group Judith Barfoot won the gold medal.

- NZPA