Sweetland wins bronze in World Triathlon Series
Kirsten Sweetland of Victoria, BC picked up her first podium place in the World Triathlon Series on Saturday.
The 25-year old won a bronze medal in Hamburg, Germany behind American Gwen Jorgensen and Emma Jackson of Australia. Jorgensen finished six seconds ahead of the 57-minute clocking for Jackson and Sweetland, though the Aussie finished just ahead of the Canadian for silver.
“I’m absolutely shocked,” Sweetland was quoted in a Triathlon Canada release. “I knew I was in good form, but I had no idea that I had this in me today.”
Sweetland on the bike in a 2008 triathlon race.
“After the bike today I just kept going. It feels amazing to be able to run with the big girls.”
Challenges don’t come much bigger than Jorgensen in the triathlon. The American has now won four straight WTS races, breaking a previous record held by Canadian 2012 Olympian, Edmonton’s Paula Findlay.
Sweetland, a junior world champion from 2006, has endured a series of career-threatening injuries and credits “some good training in Spain” for her recent form.
This month Sweetland will continue on the comeback trail at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Other Canadians competing in the women’s race at Hamburg were Sarah-Anne Brault (11th) and Ellen Pennock (37th). Andrew Yorke took part in the men’s competition, finishing 31st.
