Although much of the focus on Sunday will be on the Catlin National Olympic Distance Championships, the Catlin Sprint Triathlon that will get underaway at the same time ( 9.30 AM) will also attract some interest as it will feature three of Bermuda’s most promising juniors in Tyler Smith, Matthew Oliveira and Erica Hawley.
Smith and Hawley have been making a name for themselves on the international triathlon scene with excellent performances overseas (despite still being amongst the youngest competitors) Â including recently in Sarasota, Florida at the CAMTRI Junior Elite Triathlon where Tyler, despite mechanical problems, finished 26th overall and Erica was 30th.

Oliveira was last year’s Catlin Sprint Triathlon overall winner at the tender age of 14 and although he will be hard pressed to get close to Smith, he should take 2nd place comfortably. Oliveira has been making quite a name for himself this year on the local cycling scene finishing in the top three in a number of local races but does not have the swim or run to match Smith. Chris Harkness will be one of the favorites to take the third spot on the podium.

17 year old Erica Hawley will be a slight favorite to take top honours amongst the women but Amber Mehta, third in last year’s Bank of Bermuda Triathlon, will provide Erica with stiff competition.