26 WORLD TRIATHLON 2017 I WORLD TRIATHLON SERIES
It took Andrea Hewitt (NZL) six years to get back on top
of a World Triathlon Series podium in Abu Dhabi. She
then followed that win by going two-for-two to start the
year after she claimed the 2017 Jewel World Triathlon
Gold Coast title in Australia.
Unlike the sprint battle victory she faced in Abu Dhabi,
her second victory came through outrunning her
competition from the second transition, on the first
sprint distance course of the season.
"I knew my running was good and that is why I went out
at that pace, but you never know how the race is going
to go, so I just ran a 5k at my pace and it was good
enough to be out in front, so I was really happy," Hewitt
said of her day's performance.
The win also came after the Kiwi had just celebrated
her 35th birthday the week prior to race day.
Taking the silver medal was Australia's own Ashleigh
Gentle, who with the podium also met Triathlon
Australia's qualification criteria for a team spot for
the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Finishing with the bronze was Japan's Juri Ide, who
made a comeback to the WTS podium for the first
time since 2014.
HEWITT BACK ON TOP OF
PODIUM IN GOLD COAST
ANDREA HEWITT SECURES BACK-TO-BACK
WINS IN SEASON OPENERS
