Gunnedah triathletes John and Donna Hickey have continued their winning ways in age group triathlons with a state championship win in the standard distance triathlon for each at the Coffs Harbour Triathlon on Sunday.
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The standard distance consists of a 1500-metre open water swim, 40-kilometre bike ride followed by a 10-kilometre run.
Donna has won numerous state championships, five national titles and one world championship title.
On Sunday, Donna won the standard distance state triathlon in the 55-59 years age group despite already turning 60 in February in a time of 2.36.57.
On Sunday, Donna won the standard distance state triathlon in the 55-59 years age group despite already turning 60 in February in a time of 2.36.57.
It will also guarantee Donna a spot in the Australian team for the World Triathlon Championships to be held on the Gold Coast in September this year.
Donna will step up an age group for the world titles as the International Triathlon Union (ITU), the governing body, begin their age races from July 1 which puts Donna into the 60-64 age group.
John won his first state title on Sunday after being a competitor in the sport since 1982.
John won the 60-64 age group with a time of 2.20.08 – more then five minutes faster then his nearest competitor.
For over 30 years John put coaching ahead of individual performance where he rose to become the assistant coach of Triathlon NSW and a coach in the Australian development system.
This year, after returning from a two-year term working in the Northern Territory, John has raced often from October and has only lost once in his age group but still managed second in that race.
Other Gunnedah triathletes to compete on Sunday include Gunnedah president Ross Durham who finished 13th in the 50-54 age group in a time of 2.29.31.
David Fitzsimmons finished 27th in the 45-49 age group in 2.41.20 and Anthony Martin finished 24th in the 60-64 age group in 2.48.14.
Catherine Murray finished 12th in her age group in 2.44.23.
Former Tamworth triathlete Dennis Parker won the 65-69 age group at Coffs Harbour as well. Dennis lives in Newcastle and has had a good season finishing in the top three on many occasions.
