2005 - GDP Newsletter | 2005 - MyHealth Australia Recovery
5-6th February 2005 - Goondiwindi District Promotions Newsletter
Good luck trying to find parking down the main street on Saturday the 5th of February, when close to 800 tourists converged on Goondiwindi for the Hell of the West Triathlon. After taking a years break from the race, the Goondiwindi Triathlon Club and race director, David Vincent were 'back in battle mode' to prepare and transform the normally quite town park into a place where 445 athletes would push their bodies to the limit.
The day went very smoothly with perfect weather conditions for the gruelling race with a top temperature of 37degrees. 245 Individuals and 68 teams battled it out in the 2km 'murky macintyre' swim, the 80km 'dead flat' cycle and the 20km 'hot as hell' run.
Venturing down from the Noosa Heads Triathlon club, Cameron Watt held the lead of the race right from the begining of the cycle leg. Cameron was the first over the line and offical 2005 Champion of the Hell of the West in a time of 3hrs and 47min. Kate Major also from Noosa was returning champion to Goondiwindi and was the first female over the line in 4hrs and 10min. The first team over the line in 4hrs and 1min was the Brisbane team of Bodak, Williams & Mullins included local boy Chris Williams completing the cycle leg.
Other local teams included Ralph "Ralphio" Kinsella and Michael "Pizza Boy" Anderson teaming up with David Aitcheson from Tamworth to complete the race in 4hrs & 51min. Local boys Dave Gladman, Drew Fox and Stewart Brotherton combined and completed the course in 5hrs. Dalby based competitor & major sponsor rep Don Cramer, who originally entered as a team but unfortunatley lost his runner, so supporting a reecent painfull knee injury, Don battled through all three legs of the race.
Once again we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers that have contributed countless hours to the race over the years. Thank you to all the sponsors, as without the support of local businesses and the Goondiwindi community, an event of this stature would never get off the ground. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of athletes that have returned to Goondiwindi once again to race. Your support, attitude and energy contribute greatly to what make the Hell of the West a unique event on the sporting calendar.
5-6th February 2005 - MyHealth Australia - Recovery Team
Around 500 athletes ranging in ages from 7 years of age through to 80 years old, took part in Goondiwindi’s Hell of the West Triathlon & Kids Triathlon last weekend. And they were assisted to recover from the gruelling competition by MyHealth Australia. This year the weather was milder earlier on then, the last couple of events with temperatures reaching only 37degrees and with a water temperature of around 26 degrees. “The mild conditions certainly helped athletes to recover with less medical intervention then in the events previous years.” Said Rhonda Wilson, Executive Director of MyHealth Australia, and Hell of the West Race Medical Director. “Only one athlete was transferred to the hospital via ambulance this year with a heart problem, while another competitor required hospital care for rehydration later in the day.” Said Rhonda. The event was last run in 2003, and on that occasion it was significantly warmer. Recovery was much more of a challenge in those conditions with several people requiring drips at the end of the event to regain the fluids lost during the 2 km swim, 80 km cycle and 20km run. ‘The quick recovery of the athletes at this years events came about as a result of good preparation and pre event training that athletes had done prior to the event. However the expertise of recovery volunteers at the event certainly helped athletes recover well too, with many athletes on the day reporting that the recovery services at this years event was of a very high standard.’ Said Rhonda. The local Scout group again did a fantastic job providing the hydration delivery during the 20km run leg of the event which is traditionally when the competitors need the most assistance. ‘The SES, both our local team and the Texas team did a fantastic job of coordinating some tricky logistics and this combined with the excellent communication and flow of information between officials during all of the race legs, helped to identify athletes who were struggling with cramping and other difficulties. With this type of information coming directly to the Recovery area of the race for the first time, enabling the recovery volunteers to know when to expect an athlete who needed a bit of extra help, and what resources would be needed at the finish line.’ Said Rhonda. ‘Most athletes recovered quickly after being cooled down with some cool water poured over their head, drinking a few sports drinks and eating some fruit. While some athletes needed a little more assistance with mild breathing difficulties, muscle cramping and blisters. No one required a drip on the site this year. Many athletes also recovered with a rub down in the massage tent.’ Said Rhonda. The Kids Triathlon on Saturday saw many of our local kids as aspiring triathletes doing some excellent times and having a great time. Kids as young a seven competed in the events and proved that Goondiwindi has some very skilled young sports people. While Sunday’s event attracted adult competitors from as far away as Melbourne, Cairns Qld and Kiama NSW.
|
       |
More Info – Rhonda Wilson 0427 037 774 – MyHealth Australia Ltd Photos by Glenn Wilson