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Pandas Findlay wins world triathlon bronze
GOLD COAST, Australia - Edmonton's Paula Findlay captured a
bronze medal in the women's under-23 event at the world triathlon
championships Friday.
The University of Alberta student competes in cross-country, track
and field and swimming events for the varsity level Pandas at the U
of A in Edmonton.
She claimed a silver medal at the 2007 CIS cross-country
championship, and was named the 2007 Canada West Cross-Country
Athlete of the Year as a CIS rookie. That same year she also won
silver in the 3,000m race at the track and field championship
event.
In her sophomore year, she finished fourth in the cross-country
championship, and won three medals (two silver, one gold) at the
track and field finals.
She also swims with the U of A Pandas swimming team, and is an
Academic All-Canadian.
Findlay had one of the best races of her career, posting a time of
one hour 57 minutes 15 seconds.
Britain's Hollie Avil beat compatriot Jodie Stimpson for gold,
finishing in 1:56.38 while Stimpson was 23 seconds behind.
Vicky Holland, Britain's third competitor in the event, was
fourth, 15 seconds behind Findlay.
"It was pretty much nearly a perfect race for me today, and it
couldn't have happened at a better time,'' said the 20-year-old
Findlay, who has been fighting a series of nagging injuries
throughout the season. "I really wanted to podium, but I didn't
know what to expect today because I have been hurt. I am just so
excited to have won the bronze.''
The triathlon includes a 1.5-kilometre swim, 40-kilometre bike leg
and a 10-kilometre run.
"I knew that I would be strong in the swim and bike, but with my
injury, I didn't know what would happen in the run,'' said Findlay.
"I felt pretty good for the first three laps and was able to hang
on and get onto the podium."
Source:
-Story by Canada Press and Matt Gutsch
Matt Gutsch
University of Alberta Athletics
Sports Information Director
