Hong Kong will host the 2022 Asia Triathlon
Youth Championship at Plover Cove in Tai Mei Tuk on Sunday.
The event, which attracts elite triathletes from
all around the world, marks the return of international triathlons
to the city after a hiatus of over 3 years.
Over 150
overseas and local participants are expected to take part, with triathletes
flying in from countries such as India, Kazakhstan, Singapore,
Taipei and Thailand, to name but a few.
Nineteen elite athletes from the Hong
Kong Triathlon National Squad will compete in the championship,
with 11 of them making their first international appearance.
In order
to promote triathlon and encourage wider participation, the organiser has specially arranged a shorter Mini Distance race
category for younger participants born between 2009 and 2012 to provide a
platform for them to experience triathlon and develop an
interest in exercising.
In addition, Hong Kong hosting Asia’s
first Super Sprint Distance Elite U15 race has extended the
opportunity for young triathletes to participate in international
races, furthering the youth triathlon development in the city.
Both category races are scheduled to commence in the morning
of 27 November.
Elite group athletes and those aged 14 – 17
participating in the Super Sprint Distance are required to
complete swim (375 m), bike (6 km) and run (2.5 km); while
athletes in the Mini Distance category will complete a shorter
distance of swim (250m), bike (6km) and run (1.5km).
Genevieve Pong, President of the Hong Kong
Triathlon Association,
said, “It is great to see the return of major sports events. In
addition to holding this year’s Asia Triathlon Youth Championship,
we also hope to continue hosting different international triathlon
events. We are grateful to see the championship as a growing
platform to promote Triathlon and gives local elites the
opportunity to shine in front of local audiences. Wishing all
athletes a smooth competition and great performance.”
The Hong Kong Triathlon National Squad has
achieved great results in recent years. The Hong Kong team even
managed to bag the first-ever team silver medal in the mixed relay
event at the Asia Triathlon Championships 2022 held in Kazakhstan.
While the 2022 Asia Triathlon Youth Championship is held in Hong
Kong, other National Squad members are also competing around the
world, racing in the World Triathlon Age-Group Championship Abu
Dhabi and Asia Triathlon Cup Ipoh to strive for good results.
