After technical problems robbed 8-year old Sarah-Michelle Clear of a high ranking in Chantilly, Paris, recently, she took part in her latest international triathlon on Sept. 15 in Bangkok.
Sarah-Michelle was first out of the water after her swim at the Bangpoo Golf & Sports Club, and with a boy (Gustave number 25) hard on her heels she emerged first out of the transition with her bike on a 2km cycle. Swapping first and second place with this boy she managed to enter transition first and start her 1km run.
8-year old Sarah-Michelle Clear poses with her trophy after completing the Tri Kids Triathlon in Bangkok, Sunday, Sept. 15.
With this very strong boy leading her into the last 100m by 10–15m she put into practice the technique that she had been taught by Olympic coach Mark Gregory, and she sprinted in a very disciplined manner to beat her opponent to the finish line, winning by a metre or two and be the 1st female in her age group across the line.
This was most probably Sarah-Michelle’s last triathlon of the season and she is deservedly pleased. Having risen at 4 a.m. that morning for the long drive from her family holiday home in Pattaya, she was less than at her best for the start of the race at 8.45 a.m. with a large entry of 43 kids. With her were five members of her family making it a truly special occasion. After being presented with her trophy the event was over, so after packing up it was back to Pattaya with a little smile on her face.
Sarah-Michelle was born in Pattaya in 2005 before moving with her family to live in the UK. This year she started competing in triathlons to raise funds for a children’s cancer charity. You can read all about her triathlon challenges to raise funds for the Demelza Children’s Hospice Charity, and maybe make a small donation at: www. sarah-michelle-clear.me.uk.
Sarah-Michelle powers along during the cycling phase of her event.
