Double Gold in Triathlon Territory

Sun, May 08 2011

The first two gold medals in the 2011 Arafura Games went to Northern Territory triathletes Claire Goldsmith and Grant Preddy.

Spectators made their way to East Point Reserve as early as 6am to watch the much-discussed event over 500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run, which local Claire Goldsmith finished in 1hr 51m 29sec.

“I haven’t competed in a triathlon for over four years,” she said. “I am not really a triathlete, and I am not just saying that.”

“But I have to say it was a really good day on a lovely course – my home track – in front of such a great crowd.”

The 28-year-old said she had not expected “anything” and was “thrilled” about winning the first 2011 Arafura Games gold medal.

“It’s awesome to win on my stomping ground,” she said. “The Games are so exciting, the vibe is electric.”

Overall male winner, Grant Preddy, who crossed the finish line in 1hr 45m 48sec, said he was “ecstatic”.

“I had some good preparation as I race in Darwin a bit,” he said. “And I had a really good feeling all the way.”

“It’s the first time for me to win such a big event – and I’m ecstatic I got to win on home turf.”

More information Arafura Games Media Centre: (08) 8999 1122

Triathlon results

Claire Goldsmith - 1hr 51m 29sec
Grant Preddy - 1hr 45m 48sec

Male 20-24
Grant Preddy 1:45:48.6 Gold - NT
Leka Kila 2:15:09.7 dnf

Male 25-34
Heath Porter 1:47:17.8 Gold - NT
Ben Streeter 1:47:52.3 Silver - NT
Andrew Wilkinson 1:48:31.6 Bronze - QLD

Male 35+
Gavin Wickham 1:48:54.7 Gold - VIC
Troy Ibbott 1:54:38.0 Silver - QLD
Timothy O'Sullivan 1:57:45.5 Bronze - PNG

Female 20-24
Rebecca Thyne 2:07:28.4 Gold - NT
Kate Robertson 2:12:18.5 Silver - NT
Denna Fryer 2:24:15.4 Bronze - QLD

Female 25-34
Claire Goldsmith 1:51:29.9 Gold - NT
Michelle Mitchell 1:52:07.8 Silver - NT
Jackie Crofton 2:01:51.8 Bronze - NT
 

Youth Finishers
Macau Team 1 2:10:35.2 Gold - Macau
Northern Territory 2:11:27.7 Silver - NT