The inclement weather didn't seem to bother Creeker David Barnum last weekend as he persevered to an impressive 10th place finish at the World Triathlon Championships in Vancouver.
Barnum completed the age-group sprint distance (age 45 to 49 male) event Friday morning in a time of 1:22:05.59. The event was won by fellow Canadian Peter Buehlow, who finished in 1:15:11.81, followed by Canadian Rick Hunter in 1:15:23.01.
The wave of competitors ran into the frigid waters of English Bay in Vancouver, and after a point-to-point swim to Second Beach, athletes then rode through Stanley Park. After the five-kilometre run through the streets of Vancouver's West End, the athletes trickled across the finish line.
"It was as most of the Vancouver media reported - a pretty cold day in the water," recalled Barnum in an interview with Coast Reporter Monday afternoon. "The cold water and the elements add a different dimension. Every race is always different and I think that's why it is such an appealing sport to me."
Despite the cold, Barnum had a solid swim and came out of the water in eighth place.
"The swim was my best event by far. I lost some time obviously on the bike and the run, but overall, I was pleased with the finish," he said. "I was hoping for a top 10 finish and I got that."
Last weekend's event was the final event in the International Triathlon Unions (ITU) 24-month Olympic qualification period, which began on May 1, 2006. The event featured a $250,000 US prize purse equal for elite men and women. An estimated 2,600 athletes from 45 countries competed in the elite, junior, under 23, age-group and athletes with a disability categories.
Barnum qualified for the championship by placing second at the ITU trial event last June in Stanley Park.
The event was also the final Olympic qualifier for Canadian athletes to earn selection to the Beijing Olympic team. Sydney Olympic gold medalist Simon Whitfield of Victoria competed, finishing eighth in the men's elite event Sunday night.Whitfield was also on hand to lend his support to all the Team Canada athletes - including age-group competitors like Barnum - support that left a lasting impression on him.
"The whole event was very inspiring," said Barnum. "There were 620 athletes on the Canadian team, which I think is by far the largest contingent of athletes ever compiled in any sport. Simon showed up for our team photo, which was great. He really makes the effort to give something back to the sport.
"Rubbing shoulders with him and other athletes was a great experience. It was nice to be a part of a group and a team. Most races you race for yourself, but this weekend you certainly had lots of support and encouragement from a lot of people."
Barnum is looking towards the national championships in mid-August, which is a qualifier for next year's worlds, which will be held in Australia.
