Kiwis in top ten finish at Olympic Games

Andrea Hewitt and Debbie Tanner ran into top ten at the Beijing Olympic Games today, with Sam Warriner coming home in a disappointing 16th after a fall in transition from bike to run.

The race was won in stunning fashion by Australian Emma Snowsill as she demolished the field with an amazing display of running on the 10km final leg, leaving all in her wake including World number one Vanessa Fernandes (POR).

The Kiwis were prominent throughout, exiting the water in amongst the leaders and riding safely in the lead group throughout the 40km.

Hewitt moved to the front exiting the bike and headed out on to the run in first place, staking her claim for a medal. She was closely followed by Tanner but Warriner lost time as she fell, colliding with another athlete as she dismounted her bike, it was a fall that she could not recover from.

Hewitt was pleased with her work, an effort that left her in distress as she crossed the finish line in 30 degree temperatures.

“The pace was on right from the start, I was quick through transition and tried to go with Emma (Moffatt) and keep my rhythm. It was tough though, I did all I could and had nothing left at the end.”

Tanner too was pleased with a strong Olympic debut.

“That was a hard race today, as was expected. I was happy with my swim and the bike was more a case of good positioning and watching the others. Heading on to the run was tough though, I felt lethargic and took some time to wind up. I gave it my all though and two Kiwis in the top ten at the Olympics is pretty good.”

Warriner was distraught however, acknowledging a bad day on her biggest day.

“That was my worst race of the season, I just didn’t race well. The fall didn’t help but I have no excuses. I’m devastated and sorry for all New Zealand, my sponsors and people in Whangarei for letting them down. Right now I am struggling for words, I’m devastated.”

The men race tomorrow at the same time (2pm NZT) with Bevan Docherty, Kris Gemmell and Shane Reed wearing the silver fern.

Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - Women's Triathlon
Gold - Emma Snowsill (AUS)
Silver - Vanessa Fernandes (POR)
Bronze - Emma Moffatt (AUS)
4th - Laura Bennett (USA)
5th - Juri Ide (JPN)
6th - Nicola Spirig (SUI)
7th - Daniela Ryf (SUI)
8th - Andrea Hewitt (NZL)
9th - Kiyomi Niwata (JPN)
10th - Debbie Tanner (NZL)
16th – Samantha Warriner (NZL)