Triathlon: Ironman turns back time in Auckland event

It can be tough going on the hills during the ITU World Triathlon Series in Auckland.

John Garty will wind back the clock when he competes in the Barfoot and Thompson ITU World Triathlon Auckland Series event early next month.

The 61-year-old finished 10th in the first triathlon staged in the world - that was 40 years ago in San Diego on September 25, 1974. Garty, who rated his finest sporting achievement as finishing the New Zealand Ironman in 1996, has little to prove these days. He is participating to have fun. Garty swims about 6km to 8km a week, cycles about 80-100km a week and walks every day. We caught up with the semi-retired property manager as he looks to prove that age is no barrier to competing in the sport.

What are your memories of that first triathlon 40 years ago?

I remember it well. The start and finish was on Fiesta Island, which is at Mission Bay in San Diego. The race started with about a 5km run then an 8km cycle, after that we ran and swam. About four separate swims totaling 500m and running between the swims.

The competitors were all San Diego Track Club members, so the really good runners took the lead straight away, but when they got on their bikes some of the runners were not so competitive and I was able to pass several people.

I had been a swimmer for many years so the swimming sections were relatively easy. Some of the bikes were beach cruisers, I think I rode on my old 10-speed, but nobody had helmets and we would not have known what drafting was and, yes, some wore Speedos.

Forty-six people competed in the race, including my now 86-year-old Mum Maeann Garty, and she went on to run 30 marathons. I have done about 80 triathlons.

It was the first triathlon, what did you think of the sport's potential back then?

Those of us that could swim and cycle thought it was a great idea. Also, our lifestyle then suited this type of event.

You finished 10th, how did you rate your performance?

My memories of the race are that I wish the cycling leg was 20km long.

How much are you training these days? Are you ready for your comeback?

I have not competed in a triathlon since the 1996 New Zealand Ironman, but I follow the sport and it was great to see it added to the Olympics in Sydney 2000. I wouldn't say I am making a comeback as I do not run any more, but I enjoy being fit and setting goals for myself.

Does it feel like 40 years have passed since that day?

It is difficult to believe it has been 40 years since that first race, but I think it is wonderful what the ITU has done bringing triathlon close to the public and making it spectator friendly.

What are your goals for the Auckland event?

I am only doing the swim leg in the sprint relay so I only have to swim 750m. My partner is doing the 20km cycle and her 15-year-old son is running the 5km. It will be their first triathlon.

What advice do you offer to other older athletes looking to stay fit?

Set achievable goals.

ITU World Triathlon

When: April 5-6.
Where: Downtown, Auckland City (HQ at The Cloud, Queens Wharf).
Distances: 1.5km swim / 40km bike / 10km run.
What: The world's fastest triathletes (65 elite men and 65 elite women) compete head to head in the draft-legal standard-distance race in the heart of Auckland City on Sunday afternoon.
Includes: Queen Street Golden Mile (1 mile / 1.6km)