FORSTER triathlete Hayden Smith put on an impressive first-time performance at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii on the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 34-year-old finished the race in nine hours, 42 minutes and 56 seconds. He placed 51st in the 30-34 division and 235th overall.
Speaking from Hawaii, Smith said the event was a tough challenge and unlike anything he has ever experienced but he was happy with the end result.
“It was 120kms of headwind on the bike; they said it was the toughest conditions since 1997 so I was very happy,” Smith said.
“I was second after the swim and had a good race plan that I stuck to 100 per cent which worked well. I’m happy with the result. It was extremely hot and windy and over 40 degrees on the highway.
“I’ll be back at some point. It is by far the best and biggest sporting event I’ve ever been to - unbelievable hype and atmosphere.”
Forster Tri Club member and Taree resident Rhett Pattison also made his debut at Hawaii (although he has competed at other Ironman distance events) finishing with a time of 10 hours and 49 seconds. He placed 63rd in the 40-44 age group and 403rd overall.
Meanwhile, fellow tri club member Bob Martin competed at the event for the second time finishing with a time of 14 hours, 28 minutes and 53 seconds. The 67-year-old placed 16th in the 65-69 age group and 1783 overall.
The championship, staged at Kona, consisted of a 3.86km swim, 180.2km bike ride and a 42.2km run.
