The Racing is Under Way...3e

18:30 was Bill's swim time. Yes, we have not forgotten that he is also racing today in the 55-59 age division. That put him in 38th place, but he is a strong cyclist and runner so he will most certainly move up over the next hours of racing.

Joanne just crossed the finish line, as announced on the live webcast we are watching, moving up more spots on the run with a 22:44 to finish 21st in 1:16:40 hrs, by far the fastes time among the Chico girls.

Sue kept thing rolling with a 24:47 and a 23rd place in the 45-49 division staying ahead of Reene, who just crossed the finish line smiling all over and cozying up the the Aussiers finishing just ahead of her, with a 24:30 split in 28th. Looks like Reene saved some energy for tonight's medal ceremony party! Sue's time was 1:20:37 and Reene's 1:21:43.

Kim headed out on the run in 4th only 2 minutes down on the leaders and seconds behind 3rd. Running is not Kim's strong suit, but maybe the smell of a medal and knowing that Anne is a better runner will help keep things rolling. Anne, in 8th, was 2 minutes ahead of 9th and 10th and one minute behind a group of three.

And they both kept up the pressure to the finish. Anne ran a 26:41 finishing 7th just behind Kim with a 26:48 split placing her 6th in the 55-59 divison. Darlene also kept things rolling and held on for 12th with a 28:28 split. Kim finished in 1:22:37 as the 2nd best American, Anne in 1:26:06 as the 3rd best American, and Darlene in 1:33:17.

By the way -- For those who have followed things down under, you likely already know that the Women's Triathlon Club will be able to boast of one World Champion after today. Margaret, in the 70-74 age divsion, and in her third race at these events, will, when she finsihes the run, claim the top spot and a World Championship for the US. Way to roll Margaret...

The Commonwealth countries again dominated. As a matter of fact, if it was not for Margaret, the US would only have won the 75-79 and the 35-39 age divisons. With Margaret in the 70-74 age divsion, the US will win three World Championships for the women on the Sprint Distance. Of the 34 medals handed out the US gets 8, the Commonwealth nations get 21, and BRA and NFI each gets one, both 1st placings. But, we plan on working on a few aspects the next few years and put a stop to that dominance!