The sun sets on the first day of the 2018 Julia Creek Dirt n Dust with the Junior Triathlon concluding with impressive results despite the hot conditions.
There were 87 junior triathletes aged four to 15 as well as eight triathlon teams in four age-appropriate courses. Participants travelled from Brisbane and Townsville to compete, as well as Mount Isa, Richmond and Normanton.
President of the Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival Steve Malone said the Junior Triathlon is 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 - this is a chance for them to experience something different as we draw in kids from properties throughout the Shire and across the state.”
A keen triathlon family, Merri-Lee Adamski and her two daughters travelled for thirteen hours from Rockhampton . Her two daughters Megan and Sally, crossed the line first in their age groups, defending their titles from 2017. “We are keen triathlon competitors so because we train regularly, the kids are always training with us.” Merri-Lee said. “We love the Dirt n Dust Festival it is not just about the triathlon, we come for the whole weekend experience, it an amazing atmosphere.”
Cooper Parry-Pope and his local Julia Creek team “Seven” took out the 10-12 years team event. “I have been training since the beginning of the year for this event and have spent the school holidays training for my bike leg.” Cooper says he was fairly confident heading into the race, but was still proud to bring home the win. “I feel like a champion, we all feel like champions” smiles Cooper.
Derek Barry
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
Editor of the North West Star Mount Isa since January 2016. Prior to that, an editor at several regional southern Queensland newspapers. Passionate about telling local stories. Comes with a strange accent to due an Irish accident of birth.
