Dude got 2nd

I knew Eirik was in good condition.  His swimming has really taken off in the last few months, he's always been an avid runner, and he tolerates cycling (but mostly as a means of transportation).  We thought we would give this a try...

Gecko Triathlon:

100m open water swim
3km mountain bike
1km run on the beach with and up hill finish.

Setting up his 'transition area'

Playing in the water before the event.  His friends Rachel and Jon also participated.  Their dad, Derek, an Ironman in training is taking photos.

Just waiting around....

All the kids at the beginning.  The Gecko was kids up to and including age 12, boys and girls.  There was a group of boys that trained quite hard for this.  One won, but he used a road bike (we were told MOUTNAIN BIKE or Eirik would have had his road bike) and totally groomed for this race.

My boy.... we were in it for the fun....

Eirik is already in the water swimming... they go around the bouy you see then around another then out to the bikes.

Eirik is about 8th out of the water... we are yelling at him to start running, it would be faster at this point. 

#14 (his new favorite number!) running for his bike.  Emily and I couldn't have cheered louder for him.  He ran very fast to the transition area, and in NO TIME he was pedalling.  He dropped many of the kids that beat him out of the water at t hat point!

GO! EIRIK GO!

At the bike area, Emily and I cheered him.  They had to do two laps.  He said he just picked off the riders and was behind the winner.  But he had an adult sized road bike (this is GECKO?)... that boy then just took off....  The difference in time was a lot, I worried that maybe Eirik crashed... but he came down the path.  We screamed, "Just take off your helmet and GO!!!!"

GO!  EIRIK GO!

Down and back on the beach.  He was with a pack.  I came to the turn where he was to go up the ramp.  I didn't know if he knew where the finish line was.  If he slowed before crossing the finishline, he'd loose his postiion,

"Go up the hill, cross the ramp into the store!!!"

"FASTER EIRIK FASTER.... YOU CAN DO IT!"

He did it!

HA HA!  I yell!  I can't beleive it......  The PE swim teacher participated in the Sprint version and she was just estatic!

We were all so surprised!

At the Bar-B-Que, they said, "In 2nd place:  Eric Mangro!"

Okay... he has a new name!  ha ha ha! 

And.... if THAT wasn't enough.... he won this bike in the lucky draw! 

The best part of the entire experience is he was happy and his attitude and sportsmanship was outstanding!  He was happy because he swam well, he rode hard, and he ran like there was no tomorrow.  He finished nearly needing to vomit!  Then.... he smiled! 

He was humble and grateful for the experience.  He cheered his friends on and didn't show off!  He was thankful to his sister for spending her weekend in Mui Ne for this and cheering him on..... 

I am so proud of him, for being Eirik..... the 2nd place prize... well, that's just the frosting on the cake.  The real prize with the experience and fellowship with friends!  That's the victory!