Good times at Busselton

The Broome Triathlon Club sent its largest ever contingent to the Busselton triathlon ever a fortnight ago, with five of the club’s members completing the southern hemisphere’s biggest half ironman race.

Ric Cockman, Sabrina David, Sarah Boettcher, Will Withers and club president Nicole Smyth entered the event. The half ironman consists of a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run.

Stormy weather the day before the big race was of concern, but the conditions ended up perfect for the competition.

First-time half ironman entrant Withers put his running prowess to good use, clocking a 1hr 32min half marathon to come home in 5hr 22min.

David, also competing in her first race at this distance, logged an impressive 6hr 23min time.

Proving that consistent training is the key, Smyth put in a personal best of 6hr 32min, finishing with a strong run leg.

Surf lifesaver Cockman put the rest of his age group to shame in the swim, and finished his first ironman in 5hr 42min. Boettcher completed her third triathlon inside nine months, starting with a great swim in near perfect conditions to crack the six hour mark.

Donna Dixon could only watch the race from the sidelines after suffering a broken collar bone in training.

Smyth said the event was enjoyed by all who took part.

“All five of us really revelled in competing in such a high-profile event, and it was great to see some of the times that we clocked,” she said.

“Hopefully our exposure at the event will draw in some additional members in Broome.”

Smyth, Boettcher, David and fellow members Oskar Booth and Grant Patrick are now all in training for the full ironman event in Busselton, which takes place in December.