Four Athletes Compete At Americas Triathlon
Four Bermuda athletes competed at the 2024 Americas Triathlon Championships last week, including Tyler Smith, Nick Pilgrim, Jackson Langley, and Ollie Hayward.
A spokesperson said, “Tyler Smith demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill as he clinched 10th position in the fiercely contested 2024 Americas Triathlon Championships on Friday and gained valuable points in his bid for Olympic qualification. Smith was one of four male triathletes from Bermuda to take part in the event held on the Homestead-Miami. Speedway under searingly hot conditions which saw a number of competitors retire due to the severe weather. Nick Pilgrim raced in the Under 23 race while Jackson Langley and Ollie Hayward competed in the Youth Male category.
“The prestigious Americas Triathlon Championships attracted triathletes from around the region who were eager to test their abilities in one of the fastest race courses in the sport. Tyler Smith, competing in the Elite division, exited the water in 17th position in a time of 19:07. Smith made up six places on the bike to head out on the run in 11th position. A fast 10K of 32:50 saw him take another position to finish the Standard Distance triathlon in a time of 1:46:36. Morgan Pearson of the USA took first in a time of 1:43:39 with 25 of 31 athletes completing the course.
“Nick Pilgrim, also racing the Standard Distance event, had one of the fastest swims of his career finishing in 8th place in a time of 19:06. With a quick bike leg of 54:46, Pilgrim headed out on the run in 9th position, however, the intense Florida heat on the race track saw him suffer on the second lap of the run and ultimately receive treatment for heat stroke. John Reed of the USA took first in a time of 1:44:11 with 15 of 37 athletes completing the course.
“Earlier in the day, Oliver Hayward and Jackson Langley, put in promising performances in the Junior Men category over the Sprint Distance. They raced neck and neck throughout the race to finish within 15 seconds of each other. Both boys finished the race in under an hour with Langley finishing in 48th in a time of 59:43 and Hayward 49th in 59:57. Reese Vannerson of the USA took first in a time of 50:42 with 51 of 56 athletes completing the course.”
Steve Petty, President of the Bermuda Triathlon Association, said, “Despite facing stiff competition and navigating through scorching 29-degree temperatures, all our athletes exhibited remarkable determination and perseverance throughout their races. Their unwavering resolve and commitment were evident as they pushed themselves to the limits.
“In particular, I would like to commend Tyler Smith on ultimately securing an outstanding 10th position among the field of elite athletes. His dedication and sportsmanship are a testament to his character, and we continue to support him in his goal to qualify for the Olympics.”
