It is no secret Victoria-based Triathlon Canada believes it has the depth to target a medal in the newly introduced mixed relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with the likes of Tyler Mislawchuk, Matthew Sharpe, Joanna Brown and Desirae Ridenour.
But you never know who could also pop a breakout individual race out of nowhere, as Simon Whitfield did in 2000 at Sydney.
Manitoba’s Mislawchuk and Victoria’s Sharpe showed they are hovering around the verge of possibility with the 10th and 17th placings, respectively, Sunday in the men’s final at the World Triathlon Series Grand Final in Gold Coast, Australia.
“It was one of the best performances of my career,” said Sharpe, in a statement.
“I finally had a top-level swim. The bike was technical and a constant battle for position. I just wanted to position myself for a top-20 finish on the run. It was a tough ask, but I was up to the challenge,” added the 27-year-old Campbell River-raised triathlete, who moved down-Island to compete, and graduated from Claremont Secondary.
“It was one of the most competitive races of the season, and I was able to step up and perform when it mattered most. I definitely stepped up to a new level this year. I know I truly belong among the best in the world.”
Vincent Luis of France won gold, Mario Mola of Spain the silver medal and Richard Murray of South Africa the bronze.
The women’s and junior races were held Saturday with Brown, falling from fifth place in 2017, 18th in the senior women’s and 18-year-old Cowichan Bay prodigy Ridenour eighth in junior women’s with Hannah Henry of Victoria 12th.
