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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. Greenwichs Karen Newman and Stamfords Megan Kelly proved during the summer they were among the top triathletes in their age groups in the United States. Last weekend in New Zealand, the women proved they are among the best in the world.
Newman, a breast cancer survivor, continued her remarkable journey with a second place finish in her 50-54 age group in the sprint distance event at the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final. She finished the race in 1:20:59. Jennifer Strack of Australia won in 1:19:13. The race consists of a 750-meter (.47-mile) swim, 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) bike ride and 5K (3.1-mile) run.
Kelly, competing in the same distance in the 30-34 age group, finished sixth at the sprint distance race. Kelly, who delivered triplets last year, finished the race in 1:16:03. She was the top American finisher. Stacy Penn of Great Britain won in 1:13:19. Four women from Australia followed Penn.
Newman and Kelly competed in the U.S. Age Group Nationals in August in Vermont. Newman was fifth in her age group, and Kelly was first.
Several other women from Fairfield County also competed in the race, which includes the worlds top triathletes.
Greenwichs Katha Diddel-Warren finished 20th in the Olympic distance event in the womens 55-59 age division. The race includes a 1.5k swim, 40k bike ride and 10k run. She finished in 2:59:46.
Wiltons Katie Bottini was 26th in the Olympic distance for women ages 25-29. The field was one of the most competitive with 77 athletes. Bottini finished in 2:30:30 and was the second U.S. woman. Her time of 39:12 in the 10k was seventh best among the top 30 athletes.
Also, Ridgefields Robin Caruso was fourth in her division of the paratriathlon. Caruso lost the use of her right arm and hand in cycling accident in 2007. Results of all the races are online.
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