Mark and William had an early start on Sunday 04 July , getting up at 5am , to be at TriAthlone ’s race briefing for Olympic distance athletes on at 6.30am .  After setting themselves up in Transition (set up in the local army barracks) and listening carefully to the race briefing the two boys joined spectators in watching the first waves of tri-athletes setting off in the water while waiting for their turn at 8.40.  The early morning start and the wet weather had an adverse affect on spectators.  However those that did venture out were treated to a fantastic display of swimming by all athletes.  William was first out of the mile long swim , having completed in 36 minutes while Mark followed within 5 minutes.  Encouraged by the cheers of the crowd Mark made up the 5 minute gap between himself and William on the cycle with Mark nudging ahead in the second half of the 40km cycle .  There was very little separating the two boys as they made their way into transition for the second time to leave back their bikes and head out for the 10km run .  William took a slight lead on the run and crossed the finish line first with an overall time of 2 hours and 55 minutes , with Mark finishing the race at 2 hours and 56 minutes .  A close run race by all accounts!  Both of these Olympian Tri-Athletes should be proud of themselves, finishing 16 ^th and 17 ^th overall in their category- a fantastic triumph that speaks volumes about their commitment to training and their fitness levels.  Well done lads!

Super-duper tri-Athlete James Hoare was also taking part in the Olympic Triathlon in Athlone representing Ireland in his age category he was up against Europe ’s finest competitors and finished in a time of 2 hours and 8 minutes .  An amazing time and also one that means William will have to wax his legs!!  Finishing just outside of the handicap of 45 minutes set by James has resulted in William losing the bet and losing the hair on his legs!  Hard luck William!