15 triathletes in world champs

Fifteen Cook Islands triathletes are hard at work preparing for a world championship race in New Zealand later this month.

The Cook Islands Triathlon Association has grown in leaps and bounds since its inception in 1995, and more so in the last 10 years.

Every year the annual Air NZ International Triathlon has attracted more and more international and local participants to tackle the gruelling but picturesque course of a 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run.

As the sport has grown, particularly in local circles, more athletes are taking the sport seriously, with a team of nine taking part in the 2009 World Triathlon Grand Finals which were held on the Gold Coast.

However, this year, the World Grand Final Championships will be held even closer in Auckland on October 22 and a huge team of 15 from the Cook Islands will be taking part, 11 of whom are currently living in Rarotonga.

There are a large number of spectators expected to cheer on the Cookies, including New Zealand based Cook Islanders who will pierce the Auckland air with the infamous pulsating drums of the Cook Islands, which will spur on our local athletes and enchant all spectators.

Triathlon is a gruelling sport, which can take up a lot of time. With most athletes working full-time or supporting families, it is hard to fit in the eight to 10 hours a week of training.

All athletes also pay their own way for entry fees, airfares and accommodation, so it is with pride that the selection of athletes get to represent the Cook Islands at such a grand event.

The team representing the Cook Islands is – Geoff Stoddart, Jennie George, Steve Whitta, Taki Anaru, Apii Napa, Kelly Pick, Brendan Sutherland, Annie Sutherland, Melanie Wilson, Richard Vinsen, Jacob Pynenburg, Al Bieber, Arama Tom, Jeff Cook and Leighton Hunt.