World Bronze for Desmond McHenry in 65-69 years Sprint Triathlon

Desmond McHenry from Saintfield in County Down claimed his third World Championship Age Group Medal, picking up the 65-69 years bronze at the ITU Age Group Sprint World Triathlon Championships in Chicago.

McHenry is a member of the 56 strong Irish Team competing in the Championships and has been racing triathlons since the sports inception in Ireland in the early 1980’s. He got his campaign off to a flying start and will also be competing over the 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run of the Standard Distance on Saturday afternoon.

The 65-69 years Sprint ITU World Triathlon Championships was won by Robert Pickard of Australia in a time of 1:15:14 with McHenry just a minute behind in 1:16:20 for the 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run. Out of the water McHenry found himself in mid pack but posted a strong bike leg and the fastest run of the day to bring him right back up the leader board.

The silver medal went to USA’s Peter Hoyt who previously won gold at the 2014 World Championships where McHenry finished in the silver medal position.

Joan Griffin from Limerick Triathlon Club narrowly missed out of a top 10 finish in the female 60-64 years age category as she stopped the clock in a time of 1:26:46, completing the 750m swim in 16:11, the 20km bike in 34:40 and the 5km run in 27:13. The category was won by Carol Hassell of the USA in a time of 1:20:59 with the top 10 places being rounded out by Joanna Lewis of Great Britain just 20 seconds ahead of Griffin.

Racing continues in Chicago with Aileen Reid competing in the Elite Women’s ITU World Triathlon Grand Final on Friday, 7pm Irish time and Bryan Keane in the Elite Men’s race on Saturday, 11pm. Watch live via www.triathlon.org/live.

ITU Age Group Sprint World Triathlon Championships, Irish Results