It was a blisteringly hot afternoon on Saturday for the annual Cook Islands Triathlon Association Paradise Supplies Kids Triathlon event.

Association president Roland Neururer said 40 eager faces lined up for a fun afternoon in the sun, adding it was fantastic to see so many excited smiles as the children racked their bikes and pulled on their goggles for the challenge ahead.

The older children in two age groups, 10-12 and 13-16 years, lined up first for the 200-metre swim. 

The talented Postrzygacz family showed that hard work and commitment pays off with Maya, Edmund and Olivia were the first three out of the water. They maintained their positions on the 5-kilometre cycle leg and fought hard to stay ahead of the challengers behind. 

The 2km run course was gruelling in the heat, and saw Bella Harrison pulling closer to Nikita McDonald and Ara Wyatt showed strength of character pushing through in the heat.

Elijah Te Kani, who had to work hard in the swim without goggles, was pushing up on Max McDonald, and all were cheered on by the helpful volunteer marshals.

First across the line was Maya Postrzygacz in an impressive time of 25:26 minutes, her younger brother Edmund took out the title for 10-12-year boys in a time of 27:17 mins and sister Olivia won the 10-12 girls race in a time of 28:31 mins. 

Once the older children had exited the water, it was time for the younger children in the nine and under age group to start their race. The course was a 100m swim, a 3km bike and a 1km run. 

Neururer said: “It was a proud moment for many parents to watch their little ones showing skill, determination and great sportsmanship.”

First out of the swim was young star Liana Chan who stormed through transition and onto her bike. Closely following were Luca Rossouw, Hinaarii Taulu-Arno and Te Ana Taylor.

On the bike leg Luca quickly took the lead and was chased hard by Duke Burgess, Abigail Fe’ao and Ryan Street.

Finding energy for the run to come, Luca Rossouw crossed the finish line in first place in a time of 18:14 minutes followed by Duke Burgess 19:40 mins and Ryan Street in third place 20:06 mins.

In the girls race, Abigail Fe’ao had a storming race picking up the 9 and under girl’s title in a time of 19:52 mins followed by Pipi Wyatt 22:05 mins and Liana Chan 22:35 mins.

A number of youngsters preferred to enter the event as a team to share the experience and the fun with their friends. The Team My Hero made up of Eitia, Evah and Marino all worked hard to complete the 10-12 year division in 32:29 mins and in the 9 and under section the Coco Cuzzies Avaiki, Autama and Terina finished in a great time of 21:22 mins.

All the children were awarded prizes, sponsored by Paradise Supplies, Vaima Water and the Empire Cinema. 

Cook Islands Triathlon president Neururer said “This event just gets better and better, the kids are fantastic, it’s so good to see their smiles and the enjoyment they get out of competing in this Kid’s Triathlon.”

“Our thanks go to our sponsors for supporting us and making this possible for the children, to the Raina Family for the use of the land for holding our triathlons and to all the volunteers and marshals, it’s just great to see everyone involved making this happen.”