TRIATHLON Competition Summer Youth Olympics 2018

Summer Youth Olympics 2018 

TRIATHLON Buenos Aires 2018

New Zealand’s Gold Medal Win In Triathlete

BUENOS AIRES - Serious preparation and mental strength were the secrets New Zealand’s triathlete Dylan McCullough used to win the gold medal in the men’s individual event, a competition he did not believe he would win.

When he jumped in the water on a hot Monday morning, Dylan McCullough did not think that his performance in the individual event would lead to him becoming a champion at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

"It's very shocking. When I started, I didn’t think I was going to finish in first place. I thought I was going to do well, but not finish first," said the newly minted gold medallist.

McCullough finished the competition held at Green Park - a race where athletes must swim, then cycle and finally run to the finish line - with a time of 53 minutes 27 seconds, 12 seconds ahead of silver medallist, Portugal’s Alexandre Montez, and 18 seconds ahead of Italian Alessio Crociani, who got the bronze.

"I trained very hard. I finished school and was able to concentrate on the competition and complete my training well," said McCullough.

Chile’s triathlon representative Cristobal Baeza Munoz came in eighth place in the men’s competition, a result he celebrated by sharing a warm embrace with his coach.

"I have a very close relationship with my coach. He has been working with me for four years. We train many hours a day, every day, even on holidays and at Christmas. I feel a very strong bond with him," Baeza Munoz said.

"I had to give up several things, miss school and seeing my friends, but it was all worth it to experience Buenos Aires 2018.”