REDLANDS triathlete Luke Harvey has defended his age group world champion title at the ITU Triathlon World Finals, crossing the finish line first ahead of 1500 competitors.
The 18-year-old sped to the finish line in 57.05 minutes, which was the fastest time clocked in the multi-age event held on Thursday at Southport.
Harvey was the quickest of all triathletes entered, including his 16 to 19 years age group opponents.
Sharks Triathlon Club president Richard Cahill said he was amazed by Harvey’s speed.
“It’s a fantastic achievement,” Mr Cahill said.
“This year, he’s been able to devote more time to training.”
Last year, Harvey notched up an age group world finals win in 1.02.42 hours at Rotterdam.
The Victoria Point teen attributed his improved speed to training with coach Graham Fidler, who had helped him run faster to get ahead.
“We’ve been working together a lot of time on run and I’ve dropped a lot of time,” Harvey said.
While his win at Rotterdam was a feat, Harvey said his win this year on home turf to defend his world champion title felt bigger.
“It’s taking a while to sink in,” he said.
“This year I have been able to celebrate with friends and family.”
Other Sharks members also competed in the 750-metre swim, 20-kilometre bike and 5-kilometre run to represent Australia.
The second fastest Shark was Bridget Copland, who finished the course in 1.15.24 hours.
She was followed by Laura Cahill in 1.15.39, Linda Meredith in 1.16.28, Noel Devine in 1.23.35 and Sue Robba in 1.31.21.
Teenagers Declan Weir and Adam Lee will compete in the standard 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike ride and 10-kilometre run on Saturday at the ITU Triathlon World Finals.
More than 5000 of the world’s best athletes and triathletes from 46 countries were entered to compete across the five-day event, which ends Sunday.
For more about Sharks Triathlon Club, visit here.
