Sport
2 March, 2023
Silver for Kurt
CAMPERDOWN export Kurt McDonald has taken silver at the Australian Long Course Championships.
CAMPERDOWN export Kurt McDonald has taken silver at the Australian Long Course Championships.
The Husky triathlon – held along the shores of Shoalhaven in New South Wales – attracted some of Australia’s top athletes last Sunday.
The Husky has become one of Australia’s most loved, iconic events on the long course calendar.
Set on the shores of Jervis Bay Marine Park, Huskisson came alive when more than 5000 athletes hit the town for a weekend of multisport festival fun.
Last weekend’s championship was a world qualifying event for Townsville 2024.
Twenty-three-year-old McDonald, who now lives in Brisbane with brother Bailey, finished just 15 seconds behind training partner and friend Nic Free.
“It was certainly very sweet to finish 1,2 with Nic,” McDonald said.
“We’re certainly building something special for 2023 and I’m excited to see what the year brings.
“Traditionally I’ve been strong on the swim and cycle legs but the run has let me down and probably cost me a few podium finishes. But I’ve been investing time into my running so it was nice to get reward for effort.”
Last Sunday’s warm weather certainly tested competitors at Husky, tackling a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21.2k run leg.
“The sun really came out during the run so it was pretty tough going,” McDonald said.
“The last seven years has certainly been a roller coaster for me; 2016 was the last time I stood on the podium of a championship event so this (silver) was pretty special.”
McDonald and Free will both head to Taiwan in April to compete in another middle-distance event which will kick start their international circuit.
McDonald will spend two to three months in Europe in June, depending on the program.
“Details of the international circuit haven’t been released yet so I’m not sure how long I’ll be over there (Europe) at this stage but I’m certainly looking forward to it,” he said.
“Last weekend’s race has given me a great boost, especially my run, it was a big step in the right direction.”