Photo Focus: Kids Triathlon at Magens Bay

By Nyomi Gumbs
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The sun was shining, waves were glistening, and the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement at Magens Bay Saturday, as the Rotary Club of St. Thomas Sunrise hosted its 12th annual kids triathlon.

This event, which has become a beloved tradition for families and young athletes, brought together children from across the island for a day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition.

Full speed ahead! The 9-11 age group races into the water with determination, ready to make a splash in the swim portion of the triathlon. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Full speed ahead! The 9-11 age group races into the water with determination, ready to make a splash in the swim portion of the triathlon. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

The triathlon, tailored for different age groups, featured a series of challenging but achievable courses. The youngest participants, aged 5 to 8, kicked off the day with a 25-yard swim, followed by a half-mile bike ride, and capped off with a quarter-mile run. The 9 to11 year-olds took on a 100-yard swim, a one-mile bike ride, and a half-mile run. The 12 to 15-year-olds faced the toughest challenge with a 200-yard swim, three-mile bike ride, and a one-mile run.

While some kids chose to tackle the triathlon solo, others opted to join forces and compete as a team, with each team member taking on a specific leg of the race.

Peyton Jennings, 11, races out of the water, completing the swim portion of the triathlon for her team. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Peyton Jennings, 11, races out of the water, completing the swim portion of the triathlon for her team. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

Peyton Jennings,11, shared her excitement about the team aspect of the event, saying, “my favorite part of today was being able to work together with my friends. Teamwork is so important, and we got to experience that firsthand in the triathlon because we had to rely on each other for success.” Between breaths, she added with a chuckle, “it will be nice to get my heart rate back to normal though.” Jennings’ team included Scarlett Poss and Seava Haynes.

Lehandre Grant, 9, making his way to the finish line. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Lehandre Grant, 9, making his way to the finish line. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

In the run portion of the triathlon, young athletes showcased their endurance and determination. Some sprinted with lightning speed, while others paced themselves, conserving their strength for the final stretch. Despite the physical challenge, their faces lit up with determination and joy as they neared the finish line.

Shannon Zhou, volunteer, hands an award to Matias Mejias, 8, for his successful participation in the day’s activities. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Shannon Zhou, volunteer, hands an award to Matias Mejias, 8, for his successful participation in the day’s activities. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

“It brings me so much joy to see these kids getting excited about sports,” shared Shannon Zhou, a member of the Left Lane cycling team and one of the event’s volunteers.  “It is truly a pleasure to witness a new generation of athletes growing in St. Thomas. We are planting the seed.”

Zavier Stancliffe, 10, finishes docking his bike at the transition station and speeds over to tag his teammate who will begin the next leg of the triathlon. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Zavier Stancliffe, 10, finishes docking his bike at the transition station and speeds over to tag his teammate who will begin the next leg of the triathlon. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)

As the morning concluded, tired but happy faces crossed the finish line, cheered on by family, friends, and spectators.

Monetary prizes will be awarded to the athletic departments of the schools with the most participants. Lockhart K-8 had 22 students and Antilles School had 21 students. In addition, donations will be made to several athletic endeavors as chosen by the homeschooled students who numbered 16 participants.

The results from the triathlon are below:

5–8-year-olds
Individual participants
1st – Graidon Blankenhorn – VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy
2nd – Sawyer Shanklin – VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy
3rd – Matias Mejias – Antilles School

Relay teams
1st – Jasper Euwema, Jaxx Lenten, Rafal Lenten – Antilles School
2nd – Ilsa Edwards, Oliver Stewart, Mira Haddox – Homeschooled and Antilles School
3rd – Perry Pittaluga, Elizabeth Dochterman, Jeana Vasandmalani – Antilles School

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9–11-year-olds
Individual participants
1st – Elisa McCants – Homeschooled
2nd – Jehu McCants – Homeschooled
3rd – Noa McCants – Homeschooled

Relay teams
1st – Samuel Auchindos Liam Smith, Tucker Edwards – All Saints School and VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy
2nd – Seaua Brin, Scarlett Poss, Peyton Jennings – Homeschooled
3rd – Milana Sayan, Stella Butler Like Owens – Antilles School

Honorable Mention – Adalie Blankenhorn, Clair Chapman, Daisy Motylinski VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy, All Saints School, Home-schooled

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12-15-year-olds
Individual participants
1st –Malachi McCants- Homesschooled
2nd -Nathalie McCantsd – Homeschooled
3rd -Emma McCants – Homeschooled

Relay teams
1st – Jacob Kalloo, Max Nicholas, Kendall Warrell – Antilles School and Bertha C. Boschulte
2nd – Patricia Cannon, Bella Lima, Zoe Danet – All Saints School
3rd – Raegan Uszenski, Avery Pearsall, Finn Hodgins – Antilles School and Homeschooled

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Junior ROTC
1st – Kenari DeFreitas, Asher Fox, Kharl Garcia
2nd – J’niah Jackson, Umojah Lloyd
3rd – A’shaina Haile, Dream, Allen, Shawor Hart