Fall doesn't spoil 72 year-old Jeanette's triathlon

SHANE HURNDELL
It will take more than a bad fall off a bike to force 72-year-old Jeanette Barker out of the Hawke's Bay Multisport Club's Bloke Free triathlons ... she's got the bug.
"I did the first one last month, improved on that time yesterday and will do next month's one," Taradale's Barker said this morning.
The 1954 New Zealand Commonwealth Games diving representative fell from her bike at the transition area before the 10km cycle section of the More FM-sponsored event in Hastings which also involved a 300m swim and a 3km run.
"I was using a boy's bike and managed to get my leg over the seat. But my foot slipped on one of the pedals forcing the fall.
"Fortunately I wasn't seriously injured and was able to carry on. However after sitting at the movies for two hours with my granddaughter in the afternoon I was pretty sore," Barker said.
Fifty six individuals and six teams completed the event and Barker was 53rd in a time of 1hr 48s. Despite a wrong turn on the cycle leg ("I couldn't see anyone ahead of more as they were too far ahead," Barker quipped) she improved on her December time by almost 90 seconds.
Barker, who swam at the World Masters Games a year ago and only recently resumed swimming training at the Greendale Pool, is using the triathlons as part of her buildup to the March national masters swimming championships in Auckland.
"I don't mind the swimming and cycling but I find the run at the end a bit tough. I end up walking for half of it," she said.
While Barker was the oldest starter, Maria Parker of Hastings was one of the most courageous. In her buildup to the event she lost 27 kilograms through self motivation and support from her husband.
Despite training she almost withdrew through fear of the whole thing but was encouraged along by a neighbour. Parker ended up finishing 55th in a time of 1hr 7m 17s.
"That's the sort of women this event is targeted at ... women of all ages, first-timers and women who have had to overcome obstacles and fears to compete," said Hawke's Bay Multisport Club's development manager Jeanette Cooper.
Sarah Watson of Hastings was the winner in 34m 05s. Her mother Megan Watson was fourth in 35m 55s.
The teams section was won by Speedy Gone Sarly Girls in 35m 36s.