Hadleigh's Charmaine Wheeler is back from from 11 days in New Zealand where she competed with the Great Britain amateur Triathlon squad in two world championships with major success.

Wheeler was involved in both the World Aquathlon (swim-run) Championships and World Triathlon Championships.

Just recently turned 21 years of age, this was Wheelers's first taste of world competition.

Arriving in Queenstown after a 36-hour journey, Wheeler had three days to recover before the World Aquathlon Championship event over a 1000m icy lake swim and 5km technical run course.

The cold waters of Lake Wakatipu produced slow swim times for all, but Wheeler warmed up with an electric run around the three-lap course.

And, having already made herself popular with the British contingent, she was cheered on to 14th place in a field which contained six experienced professionals.

Wheeler, first in her age group, was denied the title of World Champion in that category only by a change in event format, which this year put all competitors in one race regardless of age category or professional-amateur status.

Four days later the World Triathlon Championships took place 10 miles from Queenstown in the former mining settlement of Arrowtown, now retained as a popular tourist attraction.

Again Wheeler did her country proud with a creditable 29th placing, in the top half of the field, being one of the youngest senior competitors.

Published Wednesday December 17, 2003

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