2009 Perth ITU Long Distance World Championships – Race Report

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With the Elites forging forward the Age Groupers lined themselves up for a deep water start with a 1800m swim straight into a head wind. Sighting would clearly be difficult. Added to that were limited visibility in the water and the added bonus of Jelly fish.

As the first Elites were exiting the water and the bulk of the Age Groupers were turning at the farthest buoy when the headwind shifted round to be off shore which battered all Age Groupers for the remainder of the swim.

The bike course looked flat and fast and didn’t disappoint. Even with a stiff wind on some sections of the course the Age Groupers benefitted from the wide flat roads. As the wind died and temperatures soared the run became a case of grit and determination. Temperatures in excess of 37 degrees with no wind and no shade made it a punishing finish to this year’s world championships. Clive Middleton 45-50 described the run conditions as “worse than Kona this year�. Quite something when you consider Kona is twice the length!

Congratulations to all the GB Age Group athletes who qualified for the championships and finished one of the toughest races for years. There were many outstanding performances on the day and the tally of eight medals, 5 Bronze, 1 Silver and two Gold, was an excellent return for a small, but tightly bonded, team of 78. GB Age Group athletes were a big hit with the locals. Many of the team were based locally and had the support of many of the Perth crowd. Clearly suffering the effects of the heat the GB team rose to the challenge and were lifted when they saw Jodie Swallow winning in emphatic style.

Special mention must go to father and son Graham Plews (50-54) and Daniel Plews (25-29) who both won a bronze medal in their respective Age Groups. Dave Lewington (70-74) and Peter Howard (75-79) received a great reception at the medal ceremony after the race. Peter receiving a standing ovation from the entire crowd, including 2 times Ironman World Champion Craig Alexander. Winning Gold and finishing in such tough conditions was truly an inspiration to all who witnessed him crossing the line.

Team Manager, Tim Whitmarsh said “I’m delighted for the team. Watching Jodie win was fantastic. To see so many GB Age Group athletes winning medals after that was a very proud moment. For those athletes who ran their own race and finished in such harsh conditions I want to congratulate you all on finishing a hard day at the office!�

Age Group team Medallists

David Lewington: Gold 70-74
Peter Howard: Gold 75-79
Mike Sandford: Silver 60-64
Daniel Plews: Bronze 25-29
Todd Isreal: Bronze 30-34
Charlie Law: Bronze 35-39
Rob Caune: Bronze 50-54
Graham Plews: Bronze 55-59