Triple success in triathlon

Sport

13 Nov

**Kian Weston, Leah Kilmister and Greg Weston competed strongly in the World Triathlon Championships held in Wollongong, Australia.**

It has been an outstanding year for the Taupō Triathlon Club, and it couldn’t have finished on a higher note.

Three club members proudly represented New Zealand at the recent World Triathlon Championships held in Wollongong, Australia.

Both Leah Kilmister and Kian Weston—already accomplished athletes in other sports—chose to focus on triathlon this year, committing up to 20 hours of training each week under the guidance of coach Cameron Paul.

Leah delivered a strong performance, placing 15th in the Female 16–19 category from an international field of 64 competitors.

Racing in hot, breezy, and choppy conditions, she emerged from the swim in the top half of the field before powering through the bike leg to make up significant ground.

A determined run saw her gain additional places to secure a top-15 finish.

Leah has enjoyed an exceptional 2025 season, with standout results including 3rd in the New Zealand Under 19 Triathlon, 2nd in the New Zealand Under 19 Duathlon, and 1st in the New Zealand Under 20 Xterra, all of which earned her qualification for this year’s World Championships.

Kian also impressed on the international stage, finishing 30th in the Male 16–19 category in a large field of 77 athletes.

The swim was intense and physical, but Kian excelled on the bike, recording the second-fastest bike split in his age group.

Despite the challenging heat, he found his rhythm on the final lap of the run to finish strongly—a commendable effort for one of the youngest competitors in the category.

Earlier in the year, Kian achieved 2nd place at the New Zealand Schools Under 16 Triathlon, 1st U16 at the Napier Triathlon Festival and 2nd in the Triathlon NZ Junior Series securing his place at the Worlds.

Veteran athlete Greg Weston also flew the Taupō flag proudly, competing in the Male 50–54 category and earning a bronze medal with a well-deserved 3rd place finish.

Greg’s race began with a solid swim that set him up well for the technical two-lap bike course, which featured tight turns, steep climbs, and fast flat sections. He maintained his strong pace throughout the run to hold off the chasing field and claim a spot on the podium.

TriathlonSportMultisport

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