INLSA
Bradley Schuit displays his medal haul from the Junior World Cross Triathlon Championships in the US last week. | Picture: Zanele Zulu
Local triathlete Bradley Schuit, 17, has been praised for his determination and commitment after winning the Junior World Cross Triathlon Championship in Alabama, in the US, last week.
The Grade 11 student from Ashton International College in Ballito was part of the SA triathlon team in the World Championships, which involves three continuous and sequential sporting codes – swimming, cycling and running.
He is also a member of the college’s first team for swimming, rugby and hockey.
“It was a great honour and privilege for me to compete on the world stage. I would like to thank my parents and my grandparents for all their assistance and donations towards making my dream of competing in the World Championship in the USA a reality. This is only the beginning of great things to come,” he said.
“This was my opportunity to shine, as I had been training very hard to ensure that I performed exceptionally well.”
During the course, Bradley took a commanding lead in the swim and bike leg of the race, and then powered through the run to win gold.
He finished the course in a time of 00:56:12, one minute and seven seconds ahead of Mexico’s Nicolas Icaza. Robbie Deckard of the US was only 19 seconds behind Icaza.
Bradley has been training under the mentorship of his father since he was 12. He enjoys cycling most, and has a dream to represent SA in the Olympics.
His previous achievements include second place in the KZN Triathlon Champs in Richards Bay earlier this year and first place in the SA Cross Triathlon Champs in Bloemfontein last month in the 16-19 age group.
He also competed at the SA Triathlon Championship in Port Elizabeth, and took part in the Xterra Lite SA championship in Grabouw.
Triathlon SA (TSA) president Debbie Alexander congratulated Bradley on his performance, saying the result was a testament to his dedication, commitment and perseverance.
“He has made the TSA family and SA very proud, and our wish for him is that his future endeavours are equally successful and rewarding.”
