Tyler Smith and Erica Hawley face their biggest challenge in Triathlon to date when they line up against the World’s Best Junior Elite Triathletes (16-19) in Chicago this Thursday and Friday respectively.
As two of the youngest Triathletes in their events they will face a stiff test and if in their first year at the World Championships they can achieve a top 30 finish (75 start in each field) it would be a huge achievement.
Smith qualified by finishing top 15 in the CAMTRI Region but Hawley was selected on a wildcard because of her excellent performances all season, they have both shown tremendous commitment.
Smith spent virtually his whole summer (in Northern Spain and here in Victoria BC) working with coach Kelly Guest and his Canadian Elite Juniors. Hawley also spent a few weeks in Victoria working with Guest and his Elite Junior Girls, who are especially strong athletes.
They have both also travelled to race in the USA, Europe, the UK and Canada and at the Youth Olympics in China (all of which has been well recorded in this blog and elsewhere) and have achieved some very commendable results and gained invaluable experience as they continue their development in this age group.
And behind these athletes are Adam and Julia Hawley and Aaron and Karen Smith who have provided the support needed for these two juniors to aspire to their dreams. Smith and Hawley have both been great junior ambassadors for Bermuda and have reached this level whilst still meeting a high academic standard ; they deserve our recognition.
Hopefully they will continue their development and one day emulate Tyler Butterfield (MEXICO – 2002 – BRONZE) and Flora Duffy (SWITZERLAND – 2006 – SILVER) who both won Medals at Junior Elite World Championships. Regardless, they have already achieved a good deal in the sport.
Smith’s races this Thursday September 17th at 4.30PM Chicago time and Erica races this Friday September 18th at 2.30PM Chicago time.
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