Malta competed in triathlon at the Commonwealth Youth Games for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago, and Kai Azzopardi came within one place of the podium.
In sweltering heat at the Buccoo Beach Facility, Azzopardi came out of the water tenth, moved up to fourth on the bike and was only pipped for bronze in the run by Australia’s Jack Latham, finishing fourth in 30:53. Ryan Muscat was 17th, and Keira Attard finished 11th of 21 in the girls’ race.
Azzopardi and Attard then placed eighth of 19 teams in the Mixed Relay, in 44:12, with sea temperatures near 28 degrees.
“This is the first time Triathletes have competed at these Youth Games, where the level is very high. The investment that the Maltese Olympic Committee has placed in these athletes is bearing fruit,” said Chef de Mission Maria Vella-Galea. Warren Muscat was the team’s coach.
