Multisports: Athletes climb world rankings

Ryan Sissons. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Auckland's Ryan Sissons and Tirau's Rebecca Kingsford have made big moves up the triathlon world rankings after impressive performances at the Oceania triathlon championships in Wellington.

Sissons has moved up from 43rd to 20th in the men's rankings while Kingsford has leapt a whopping 71 places to 52nd in the women's rankings after both raced impressively to win the under-23 titles at Wellington. Sissons finished third overall and Kingsford, sixth.

Sissons, 22, is now New Zealand's third-ranked male, behind Oceania champion Kris Gemmell, who has jumped 10 places to eighth in the world, and Bevan Docherty, who is 16th.

Despite a disappointing seventh overall finish in Wellington, Andrea Hewitt has climbed from fourth to second in the women's rankings while New Zealand No2 Debbie Tanner is seventh, Nicky Samuels, 21st, and Kate McIlroy, 22nd.

Triathlon New Zealand national coach Greg Fraine said he was delighted with the progress of both Sissons and Kingsford, in particular.

"Rebecca's race was a very good, mature performance over the Olympic distance. She is seen as a long-term development prospect and Wellington was a big step in the right direction. Her attitude and work ethic over the past 12 months has been nothing short of first class, as has her desire to learn and make progress in aspects of the sport."

Most of the New Zealanders competing last Saturday took advantage of the early season opportunity to earn ranking points ahead of the European season, which does not start until the middle of the year.

- NZPA