Sudbury triathletes finding sweaty success this summer

The name of the club may have changed and the coaches might be different, but the enthusiasm for triathlons is very much apparent among the youngsters who form the Sudbury Triple Threat Triathlon Club.

The youth component features Isabella Mastroianni (age 12), Ethan Sheppard (13), Paris Macey (12), Elaina Allen (10), Sophia Allen (eight) and Isabelle Papineau (16), with 36-year-old Christina Mastroianni also providing some additional motivation for the kids, working her way into the triathlon scene.

The team is guided by triathlete, and current vice-president of the Sudbury Cycling Club, Mike Nawalaniec, with the help of former two-time Canadian boxing champion Amber Konikow, who has branched off in recent years, tackling ultra-marathons and other daunting endurance challenges.

Forming part of one of the only Triathlon Ontario-sanctioned clubs in Northern Ontario, Mastroianni, Sheppard and Macey are competing at the provincial Youth Cup circuit, kicking off their summer schedule in Belle River earlier this season.

Mastroianni topped all female athletes in her age group (12/13), while finishing fourth overall, while Macey (sixth place) and Sheppard (eighth) both showed well, considering each is only in the first year of a two-year age bracket.

The senior Mastroianni also competed, racing in the "Try-a-Tri" adult division, and earning a first-place ribbon in the process. The training regimen continues for members of the STTTC, with upcoming races in Orillia (Aug. 15), Dunrobin (Aug. 30), and Lakeside (Sept. 12).

Meanwhile, the younger athletes have been enjoying the Kids of Steel Triathlon series, the breeding ground of Canadian great, Simon Whitfield.

Late June provided an opportunity to take part in the North Bay Kiwanis Triathlon Weekend, with an upcoming event in Barrie equally anticipated for the local crew.