Cook Islands triathlete finishes strong

Sole female triathlete Rangi Apera performed strongly at the Pacific Games sprint course in Noumea placing 7th overall in a time of 1.16.42.

Apera lined up with 10 other women competitors to race over the 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run course through Anse Vata.

Apera was 6th out of the water in front of one of New Caledonias top triathlete who pulled in Apera on the run leg.

At the end of the race Apera had enough energy to congratulate her fellow team mates and share her thoughts on her race.

The swim leg was really cold I got brain freeze, recalls Apera.

After the first circuit of the swim leg Apera said she had to calm herself down and not let the cold get to her.

I drafted in the swim for a while and picked things up in the second lap.

Out of the water Apera hit the pavement for the dash to her bike to tackle the 20km cycle leg where she looked strong right through.

On the run leg Apera continued her strong performance before crossing the line with a grin ear to ear.

It was the first sprint course raced by Apera and her time of 1.16.42 is a solid time for future races.

I can relax now Im glad its over and done with.

The gold medal went to Tahiti, silver to New Caledonia and bronze to Tahiti.