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Billington, Goldstein-Kral get top finishes among American athletes
VANCOUVER, Canada (June 5, 2008) -- Water and air temperatures in the mid-50s and a steady rain made for less than ideal conditions for the 112 athletes competing at the ITU Junior Triathlon World Championship in Vancouver, Canada on Thursday.
Though they suffered through the hand-numbing temperatures, all four U.S. athletes were able to finish the 750m swim, 20k bike, and 5k run, with Greg Billington's 24th place finish topping the boys and Lauren Goldstein-Kral's 32nd place result leading the girls. First-year worlds' participants Kevin McDowell and Natalie Russell finished 44th and 43rd in their respective races.
It was a disappointing day for Goldstein-Kral (Shaker Heights, Ohio), the 2007 U.S. Junior Elite Athlete of the Year, who was looking for improvement after crashing out of last year's event. This year, another crash starting the fourth bike lap cost her some precious time and put her finishing time at 1:07:22, just over three minutes behind eventual winner Kirsty McWilliam of Great Britain.
Russell (Batavia, Ill.), the 2007 USAT Junior National Champion, was excited to be able to compete with a tough group of international athletes. "The swim was long, but once we got on the bike it was good," said Russell. "It was sweet to have [my team] here cheering. It was definitely a different field than I have ever raced in, but it was a great experience."
Billington (Spokane, Wash.), who had been performing well in training, never got into a groove this day. He came out of the water in 28th spot, struggled getting out of transition, and was unable to make up much ground on the bike or run.
The 2007 USAT Junior Elite Athlete of the Year and National Champion felt the effects of the cold the entire race. "It was a cold, tough day today," said Billington. "The swim was freezing; it didn't go as I planned. I stuck with my pack on the bike. The run didn't go as planned. I gave it everything I could today. It was a cold race. I'm still disappointed with what happened."
McDowell (Geneva, Ill.) produced a solid performance for his first world championship event. "It was an interesting experience. I just want to keep moving forward," said McDowell.
Final Results
Junior Girls Championship
1. Kirsty McWilliam (GBR) 1:01:04
2. Ashleigh Gentile (AUS) 1:04:43
3. Zsofia Toth (HUN) 1:04:47
U.S. Finishers
32. Lauren Goldstein-Kral (Shaker Heights, Ohio) 1:07:37
43. Natalie Russell (Batavia, Ill.) 1:10:54
ITU Coverage of the Girls Junior Championship.
Full Girls Results.
Junior Boys Championship
1. Vincent Luis (FRA) 57:06
2. Denis Vasiliev (RUS) 57:36
3. Jonathon Brownlee (GBR) 57:43
U.S. Finishers
24. Greg Billington (Spokane, Wash.) 59:24
44. Kevin McDowell (Geneva, Ill.) 1:00:44
ITU Coverage of the Boys Championship.
Full Boys Results.
Remaining Schedule:
Friday, June 6: Sprint World Championship
Saturday, June 7: Age Group and Physically Challenged World Championships
Sunday, June 8: U23 and Elite World Championships
Official Championship Website.
ITU Championship Website.
About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the national governing body for triathlon - the fastest growing sport in the U.S. - as well as duathlon, aquathlon and winter triathlon in the United States. USAT sanctions 2,300 races and connects with more than 100,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches, and race directors on the grassroots level, USAT provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including World Championships, Pan American Games, and the Olympic Games.
Read more news from USAT.
Website: USATriathlon.org.
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