The Hindu : Sport / Olympic Games : Hamish takes triathlon gold

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 27, 2004

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Sport - Olympic Games

Hamish takes triathlon gold

By Kamesh Srinivasan

ATHENS, AUG. 26. Hamish Carter of New Zealand won the men's triathlon beating a strong field and his compatriot Bevan Docherty for the gold at the Vouliagmeni course here on Thursday.

"Today was my day. What a dream come true. We wanted to beat each other more than anything. I didn't know that I had it until the last 100 metres. I have worked my whole life for this'', said a jubilant Carter.

It was the 33-year-old Kiwi's strong riding on the cycle for 40 kilometres that clinched the issue in his favour and he revealed his toughness with a strong finish in the 10-kilometre foot race.

"When I was eight years old, I watched John Walker winning his gold medal and was determined to do the same thing one day'', said Hamish.

Hamish was 33rd out of the water after 1500 metre swim with a timing of 18:19.00 but had an impressive 1:00:44 on the bike and a 32:04.00 on the road, as he beat Docherty by a comfortable 7.87 second margin.

Hamish had finished second in the World Championship in 1997, and had won two World Cups including one last year in Canada.

His training philosophy is, "body is evil and must be punished." He did punish it this day by pushing himself to the limits on a hot day.

Having fun

"I don't know. I spoke to a lot of people before the race and they helped me with advice and put me in the right place. I spoke with Sarah Ulmer and my wife and they both said, `Go have fun. Do it because you love it'. That was the difference, enjoying the race'', said Hamish, as to how he beat the tough conditions in running away with the gold in a field in which 45 athletes managed to complete the gruelling event.

Incidentally, Sarah had won the women's track cycling individual pursuit gold for New Zealand in these Games.

"On the swim I worked very hard. I really struggled in the water and came out of the swim mid-pack. I felt really good once I got on my bike. The first time on the hill, it went well. It became better thereafter. The heat was strong and I was very cautious. On crossing the finish, I felt shot down, tired, but it was unbelievable,'' Hamish said.

"I had a dream race. I didn't come away with the gold but who better to lose to than my teammate,'' said Docherty.

Looking back, the silver medallist Docherty was able to analyse the triumph. "After Sydney we were the fastest. We have very strong legs for running. The race was difficult and it was very hot,'' Docherty said.

Australian Greg Bennett finished fourth and was all praise for the bronze medallist.

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