Contact National Schools Triathlon Champs A Huge Success

The future of triathlon in New Zealand would appear to be in good hands judging by the depth and quality of performances at the Contact National Schools Triathlon Champs at Lake Karapiro today. Close to 800 participants from 120 schools the length and breadth of New Zealand celebrated the 25th running of the event.

Aaron Barclay (Photo: Mike Heydon / Triathlon NZ)

Aaron Barclay won his second national title, repeating his previous U16 success with victory in the blue ribbon U19 event, while in the girls U19 event it was top seed Maddie Dillon who took control early and won impressively.

Barclay (Gore High School) has been an impressive performer throughout the summer in the Contact Tri Series and lived up to his top seeding, repelling challenges from Sam Morreau (Auckland Grammar) and Josh Kenyon (Taupo Nui-a-tia College).

Barclay rode away from the field on the bike and was thrilled to take another title back to the deep South.

"That was great, I'm so proud to win for Gore. Triathlon is not the biggest sport down there but it is growing so it is great to give it some more profile. The race really went to plan; I had a good swim and felt strong on the bike.

"There are so many great names on the trophy, some great triathletes so this is great. It is my dream to one day represent New Zealand at the Olympics but to have the Contact Schools title under my belt is great."

Maddie Dillon (Photo: Mike Heydon / Triathlon NZ)

Maddie Dillon proved too good in the girls U19 race, like Barclay living up to her top seeding. The Kristin School (Auckland) student was in the lead out of the water and never looked back, despite not feeling her best in blustery conditions.

"I had an alright swim and then on the bike some of the girls started to catch me, I really didn't feel that good to be honest. But it all came together on the run so I am delighted, it was a great race.

"I have to say a big thanks to my coach Ally (Boggs), she has been great, and too my family and supporters. This is even better to win knowing that Sophie (Corbidge) from Kristen was last year so we keep the title in our school.

"This is awesome, a great feeling and a great finish to the season. I have had such great help from my sponsors and mum and dad, the next goal is Hungary and the World Championships at Budapest. I have just been told that I am going so that is the big one to aim for in September."

Racing for all age groups from years 7 and 8 to the U19's was carried out in changeable conditions. Blustery winds buffeted the course in and around Lake Karapiro, making for a tough cycle when riding into the teeth of the squalls. Thankfully though the rain was all but absent, with a few light showers only during teams racing in the afternoon.

An interested spectator was Sue Clark, the very first winner of the event back in 1986. Clark went on to enjoy a great career in the sport, winning national titles in all distances from sprint to Ironman and is still a regular competitor and winner in age group racing. Clark was honorary starter for the U19 events and couldn't believe how popular the event has become.

"This is unbelievable but fantastic. I reckon when I won back in 1986 we might have had 100 competing in all events but to think there are close to 800 today is amazing and shows where the sport has come."

Teams racing proved hugely popular in the afternoon once the individual races were completed with school rivalry at its best, allowing for children of all abilities to take part on the day in an event that continues to grow in popularity and quality.

Tri NZ Event Manager Haidee Stratford was delighted with the day.

"We are proud of our record of growth in the sport with increasing numbers of New Zealanders choosing to participate in triathlon. But this is where it all begins, in the schools and on days such as this. To see close to 800 participants is incredible and an increase of 37% over last year.

"This Contact National Schools is fast becoming an iconic event for the schools and a proving ground for young triathletes. But it is also about participation and the chance for kids of all abilities to experience the sport in a safe and exciting environment, seeing the smiles on the faces at the finish line and hearing the cheers of support from school mates and supporters is what makes our day worthwhile."

Full results will be posted to www.triathlon.org.nz later in the day.

Contact Schools Nationals

U19 Boys

750m swim, 21km bike, 5km run

U19 Girls

750m swim, 21km bike, 5km run

U16 Boys

500m swim, 14km bike, 4km run

U16 Girls

500m swim, 14km bike, 4km run