South African triathletes strike twice at Commonwealth Games

A triathlete also won South Africa’s first medal at the Commonwealth Games. This was Murray’s bronze in the individual race. Only the Brownlees – Alistair and Jonathan – could keep him at bay. In the team competition it was once again the Brownlees that dominated proceedings along with fellow newly crowned Commonwealth Champion Jodie Stimpson. Alistair won the gold in the men’s race, followed by his brother Jonathan. Stimpson won the women’s race. England thus dominated proceedings, but South Africa proved that they are ready to challenge.

Bronze for Murray

Murray has always wanted to be on the winner’s podium, but it wasn’t until he was halfway through his 10 km run, at the Commonwealth Games, when he realised how desperately he wanted a medal for his country. "It was only during the last leg when the magnitude of the occasion finally dawn on me. I have talked about the Games and possibility of winning a medal during the year, but it was only in the actual race that it finally became real, that I am competing for my country. It's not like the other races on the World Triathlon Series, here I was part of the South African team competing for our country and not just representing South Africa.

"Winning medals at the Commonwealth Games is a stepping stone in my career. It is a big step in the right direction. I am still getting better as an athlete and my swimming is also still a work in progress. I was only certain of my medal in the last kilometre. Up until then anything could happen. I was so worried that I would twist my ankle or pull a hamstring! Also winning the first medal for South Africa made it extra special. I am not a very emotional guy, but it meant so much," said Murray.

Murray added that now more than ever triathlon is actually also a team sport even in the individual race. "As a team we are not as organised as the other major countries. We need to work better together. Especially looking to Rio in 2016, we need to pay more attention to that aspect of racing. If we can get it right, like England and some of the other major contenders, we will be there for the medal fight in Brazil."

Silver in team competition

Lindsey Parry from Triathlon South Africa was very happy with the medal. Not just because the team medal was somewhat unexpected but also because it is a huge boost for triathlon in South Africa in general. "It was insane," Parry commented on the SASCOC website after the race. "Kate started well with a big swim and bike and although she battled a little on the run she still kept us in the hunt. Henri swam the fastest split of the day, but it was his run that did the trick, pulling us right into the medal fight. "