A showdown near Nelson between the nation’s top teenage multisport athletes is set to provide the term one highlight on the Tasman secondary schools sporting calendar.

The National Schools Triathlon Champs, staged at Rabbit Island on March 19 and 20 are the highest profile event on the local schedule. Organised by the Nelson Triathlon Club, alongside Sport Tasman, the event is open to all intermediate and secondary school pupils (minimum age 10 years). Competitors will vie for three main crowns over the two-day event – the Suzuki Individual Triathlon, the Nelson Bays Suzuki Individual Aquathlon and the Port Nelson Team Tag Triathlon.

Age groups are under-12, under-13, under-14, under-16 and under 19 with entries in the team tag event being placed in the age group of the oldest team member.

Prior to the nationals the Port Nelson Tasman Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships take place on March 6, at the same venue.

The top of the south region is expected to be well represented at the national event. In Nelson, the Chia Teen Triathlon Team is training under the watchful eye of Britta Martin, one of New Zealand’s most successful female Ironman distance triathletes and Pogo Macauley, a medallist in world championships for both sprint triathlon and cross triathlon.

Marlborough also boast a number of highly-accomplished performers, under the guidance of Mark Grammer, a member of the organising committee. Fergus Greer from Marlborough Boys’ College finished third in the under-14 section at last year’s nationals, while compatriot Connor Guillemot has been an early season standout.  

Sport Tasman Regional Sports Director Jeni Thornborough said the Tri was a great addition. “Thanks to Peter Gibbs (Nelson Triathlon Club) and all volunteers for their continued support with this event to make it happen”.

A full list of other Tasman secondary schools sporting competitions can be found on the Sport Tasman website on www.sporttasman.org.nz/college-sport.

More information please contact Jeni Thornborough at Sport Tasman on 03 546 7910.