Four-time Hawaii Ironman winner aids juniors

FRIDAY, MAR. 23: One of the world’s greatest athletes is in Bermuda for the next two weeks.

Chrissie Wellington will be speaking at the Bermuda Triathlon Association’s awards dinner Saturday night and while she is here will also impart some of her knowledge to the island’s junior triathletes.

Wellington is the current world champion and holds three world and championship records for females in Ironman.

She has won the Hawaii Ironman four times — 2007-2009 and in 2011. When she took the victory last year, Wellington had a torn pectoral muscle and still managed to dominate.

She has also won the ITU Long Distance World Championships (2008) and the ITU Age Group World Championships (2006).

Neil de ste Croix, Bermuda Triathlon Association president, said it is a great honour to have her here for the next fortnight.

Great

He said during a conversation with swimmers Stephen and Belinda Castree it came out they went to university with Wellington.

“They were on the same swim team. Through their friendship, they made contact with Chrissie and she said she’d come to Bermuda and speak at our dinner.

“This is great because while she is here she is going to spend time with our juniors. Her knowledge and her story is incredible.

“She has done amazing things in sport. Her training is actually legendary. She is one of those people who have to be told to slow down in training because she is so intense because of her desire to win.”

Incredible

Wellington will spend part of her time here vacationing as part of a year long sabbatical from the sport.

“From what I gather she has been very busy so Bermuda is going to be  a great rest for her.”

The BTA dinner is 7pm on Saturday night at Riddell’s Bay. For non-BTA members the price is $70.

De ste Croix added: “It’s well worth coming. It’s going to be incredible.”

People who are interested in going can e-mail: [email protected].

Part proceeds from the dinner will go towards Bermuda’s paralympic athletes.