A group of Wānaka athletes has returned from the World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Townsville, Australia, having placed in multiple events.

Wānaka athletes Stephen Woodwark, Arna Craig, Bryce Dunlop, Zoe MacClure, Gonda Sollie, Tim Smith, Kelly Good, and Peter Jackson took part in the championships, which take place each year in a different location around the world. 

“It was great to have it on our doorstep this year, and I know a lot of the Wānaka athletes set their sights on it early in order to qualify,” Arna Craig told the Wānaka App.

She said there had been “a long build up” to the event, after locals qualified for various events, including in Tauranga in January and Challenge Wānaka in February.

Stephen Woodwark placed second in the Cross Triathlon (ages 30-34); Arna Craig placed first in the Cross Triathlon and second in the Cross Duathlon (ages 40-44); Bryce Dunlop placed second in the Cross Triathlon and first in the Cross Duathlon (ages 50-54); Zoe MacClure placed first in the Cross Triathlon (ages 25-29); Gonda Sollie placed fifth in the Cross Triathlon (ages 35-39); Tim Smith placed 22nd in the Cross Triathlon (ages 45-49); Kelly Good placed ninth in the Long Distance Aquabike (ages 20-44); and Peter Jackson placed third in the Long Distance Aquabike (ages 60-64).

The podium winners of the Cross Triathlon.

Wānaka resident Maeve Kennedy, who represented Australia at the Townsville championships, placed third in the elite Cross Triathlon, and third in the Cross Duathlon.

One Wānaka supporter said there was a great atmosphere In Townsville and it was “awesome to support the Wānaka athletes”.

Arna said her next challenge was the Waka100 in Rotorua (a 100km mountain bike race), followed by Xterra Asia Pacific Championships in Australia in March.

PHOTOS: Supplied