Junior stars take the stage at Julia Creek Dirt n Dust

One hundred and fifteen junior triathletes aged from four through to 15, as well as 11 triathlon teams competed in revamped, age-appropriate courses.

Participants travelled from as far as Brisbane, Townsville, Charters Towers and Cairns to compete, as well as closer to home from towns including Cloncurry, Mount Isa, Richmond and Winton.

McKinlay Shire Council Mayor, Belinda Murphy, said the junior tri was always one of the highlights of the event.

“This event is fantastic for the kids, especially those from our rural communities who may not get to experience team sport each weekend,” Cr Murphy said.

“This is a chance for them to experience something different and we certainly draw in kids from properties throughout the shire.”

Six year old Mitchell Wharton was ecstatic when he crossed the finish line, after competing in the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Junior Triathlon on Friday.

Competing with 115 junior triathletes aged from four through to 15 there was plenty of action to watch and some tough competition.

His first year of competition, Mitchell said his parents encouraged him to participate.

“My dad wanted me to win so I had to enter,” he said.

“I enjoyed the riding the most because I get to go really fast and I like my bike.”

When Mitchell completed his race he received a participation ribbon, which he thought was really cool and made him happy.

Mitchell said he hopes to make the trip from Richmond again next year.

A keen triathlete has been preparing for years to participate in the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Junior Triathlon after it sparked her interest.

Megan Adamski, 11, travelled with her family from Rockhampton to live her dream of participating in the competition.

Already travelling to Julia Creek to visit her uncle and auntie, it was perfect timing for her to test out the event for the first time.

“Dirt n Dust sounded like fun and a good opportunity for me,” Megan said.

“I have been preparing for the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust for a while now.

“I have been to state for running and aquathlons and I participate in triathlons regularly.

“I wanted to do this competition for a very long time as I really enjoy doing triathlons.”

Completing the event solo, Megan placed first in her age group for 10-12 years.

“My favourite part of the triathlon was the swimming and crossing the finish line.

“It is a really hard triathlon but I am happy I completed it and hopefully I will be able to come back next year because I would like to do it all again.”

Megan’s goal is to one day participate in the open senior triathlon and win it.

“I would love to grow up and eventually have a go at the big one,” she said.

“I reckon it would be really challenging, especially the ride.”

One keen thirteen year old went into the junior triathlon with no prior training or preparation and said it was amazing.

Making the journey across from Mount Isa, Katie Stewart-Russell, spent no time preparing for the triathlon and said she simply just wanted to complete it.

“I just wanted to give it a go, have some fun and see how I went,” she said.

“I feel like I went fairly decently.

“The swim wasn’t too great but I think I made up for it in the rest.

“The ride is my favourite, it half lets me catch up breath after the swim.”

Competing in the 13-15 years category, Katie had some strong competition but she didn’t mind.

“Because I am towards the bottom of the age group it does mean I am at a bit of a disadvantage, but I wasn’t too worried,” she said.

“I didn’t really worry about my time or where I placed, my goal was to just finish it.

“I had not competed in this before so it was good to come and finally do it.

“Hopefully I will be able to come back next year and do it all again.”