BAKER AND NENER FLY UNDER 23S FLAG

 

 

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Triathlon Australia, August 30, 2014: Australia's Matt Baker and Kenji Nener have both produced admirable performances to finish 12th and 14th respectively in a tough ITU Under 23 World Triathlon Championship in Edmonton today.

Both boys fought hard all day with Baker's decision to move to Europe for four months to train under Danielle Stefano and alongside Ryan Fisher, Joel Tobin-White and Declan Wilson paying huge dividends.

He surprised even himself with his best run over the 10km Standard (Olympic Distance) after an indifferent 1.5km swim and a solid 40km ride.

"The decision to leave my home coach Kieran Barry and with support from Triathlon Australia, my mum and dad and money earned from working as a draftsman and a kitchen hand I funded myself to Europe.

"It was a big decision, a big move, but a move that has certainly paid off, and rewarding to get a result like this.

"It has been an investment in my future and at the moment it has been very rewarding.

"I will now go back to the Central Coast, sit down with my home coach and assess my future."

Nener, who has also taken a huge leaf in the QAS squad under Stephen Moss and Josh White came out in front of Baker in the swim, rode and often dictated the bike and for the first 2.5km of the run, looked set for a rewarding top ten finish.

But the Brisbane-based former WA boy, whose career has gone from strength to strength this year faded for the final 7.5k, and although disappointed with his 14th place finish, knows he has taken some big steps forward in 2014.

There was further bad luck for the Australian team on the eve of the race with the loss of last year's Under 23 bronze medallist, Declan Wilson, who suffered a freakish knee injury walking out of the lift at the team hotel.

Despite instant treatment from the Australian team staff, with immediate icing, the damage done saw his knee swell, forcing his late withdrawal.

A bitter blow to a young athlete who had primed himself for a big performance.

Issued on behalf od Triathlon Australia by
Ian Hanson| Media Manager Triathlon Australia
Media Manager, 2014 Australian Commonwealth Games Team
Deputy Media Manager 2016 Australian Olympic Team
Media Manager 2014 Pan Pacs