Aussie, Canadian win triathlon

CHERNG TALAY: Australians once again had a strong showing in the annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon, even though last year’s men’s and women’s champions both failed to reclaim the top spots in this morning’s competition. Among the men, Craig Alexander of Australia took first place, followed by American Tim De Boom, while last year’s winner, Courtney Atkinson of Australia, finished third. Race times are not yet available. At the finish line, Alexander said exuberantly, “It’s awesome”, adding that he had hoped to win this year after losing last year. In the women’s race, Carol Montgomery of Canada finished ahead of Joanne King of Australia, thwarting King’s effort to make it three Laguna wins in a row. Third was Belinda Granger of Australia. De Boom and Montgomery were both making their first appearances at the Laguna race. This year’s triathlon attracted 465 entrants from 24 countries, in both individual and team categories. Competitors ranged in age from 12 to 65. For official results and more details on the race, see the December 7 issue of the Phuket Gazette.