Results: Geelong 70.3, School Sports Australia & 2XU Race 6

It was a massive weekend of racing for the squad with athletes competing across multiple events highlighted with podium performances, a national medal, breakthrough results and some inspiring returns to the sport.

A special mention goes to Kim Garland and Darren Franken who both made a long awaited return to racing. Kim lined up for her first race in four years following the birth of her child, while Darren returned after six years away due to health challenges, both fantastic efforts just to get back on the start line.

Darren looked in outstanding form throughout the day leading his race before unfortunately having to withdraw during the run. While not the result he wanted it’s a strong sign of what’s to come as he now shifts focus towards preparation for upcoming Ironman events.

There were some standout performances across the weekend. Penny Tomkinson delivered a brilliant race to claim 3rd place in her age group, while Erin Covelli impressed in her debut 70.3 finishing 8th. A fantastic result in her first attempt over the distance.

Over at the 2XU Triathlon Series Abbey Hickey and Steph Demestichas lead out the elite women’s race with Abbey taking a breakthrough win, her first in the elite ranks! While Steph continued her consistent form with a 3rd place finish as she builds towards Cairns. Matt Sullivan also had a strong first race of the season finishing 3rd in the Olympic distance, while Oli Anthony narrowly missed the win in the Fun Tri finishing 2nd in a close race.

Last week at the School Sport Australia competition the juniors raced really well. Jake Smith claimed a silver medal in the Open Teams Relay and competed strongly in the Senior A Final, while Mackinlee Carroll took out the B Final with an impressive win.

Overall it was a weekend that showcased the depth of the squad from junior development through to age group podiums and elite success. Some exciting performances to build on!

Results

SSV:

Jake Smith, Senior A Final, 12th

Madi Carroll, Senior A Final, 12th

Mackinlee Carroll, Intermediate B Final, 1st

Jake - Silver in open teams relay

Geelong:

Erin Covelli, F18-24, 5:18:34, 8th

Lloyd Toffolon, M35-39, 5:24:32

Raymond Lara, M35-39, 5:28:30

Jesse Skivington, M30-34, 5:43:02

Stuart Mullenger, M35-39, 5:49:50

Melissa Wilson, F45-49, 5:50:28, 10th

Ifat Perlman Domy, F55-59, 6:10:21, 6th

Penny Tomkinson, F65-69, 6:29:40, 3rd

Tamara Joyner (Team TJ & G-Man), 6:12:17

Darren Franken - DNF

Susan Martin, Kim Garland & Aimee Dow, (Team Triple Espresso Rebels) - DNF

2XU Race 6

Olympic

Matt Sullivan, M30-34, 2:06:43, 3rd

Abbey Hickey, F Elite, 2:12:35, 1st

Steph Demestichas, F Elite, 2:15:01, 3rd

Sprint

Edward Nguyen, M Open, 1:28:56, 4th

Fun Tri

Oli Anthony, M16-19, 37:45, 2nd

Nathan Bogati, M14-15, 49:11