Finau 'Otuafi

The "Splash and Dash – Aquathlon", the Friendly Islands Triathlon's first event for 2013, attracted 27 competitors to the American Wharf on Saturday morning, 16 March.

There were two categories in the aquathlon competition, the Kids, Under 13-years-old Category, and an Open, 14-years-old to adults Category, for individuals and teams.

Finau 'Otuafi won the individuals Kids Category with a time of 11 minutes. 'Alani Taumoepeau was second with a time of 12 minutes 15 seconds, and in third place was Taani Fangupo in 13 minutes 41 seconds.

The winning team of Noelani Day, Oliver Stephenson and George Tonga finished in 11 minutes 43 seconds. In second place was Ezra Gangupo, Zac Nishi and Saia Day in 13 minutes 39 seconds. In third place was Herman and Mote  in 14 minutes 22 seconds.

Seven individuals competed in the 14-years-old to Adult Category, won by Takeshi Igarashi with a time of 21 minutes 51 seconds, and in second place was Andrew Emberson in 22 minutes 17 seconds. Kantaro Oishi was in third place with a time of 22 minutes 37 seconds.

FIT has identified two young triathletes Finau 'Otuafi and Andrew Emberson to compete in aquathlon and triathlon competitions in Auckland in April.

Finau will be competing for the second time this year in the Weetbix Kids Triathlon in Auckand on April 14. 

Andrew for the first  time will be compete in an aquathlon event, 750m swim and 5km run on April 5 then in a Sprint Triathlon, 750m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run on April 7.