Nathan Breen won his third Richie Walker Aquathlon title in the last four years on Saturday.
More than 300 competitors took on the annual race in pristine conditions at its traditional Gunnamatta Bay Park course at Cronulla, with sunny skies and 24 degree water temperature.
The race was a chance for athletes to gain points on their quest for inclusion in the Australian Aquathon team to contest the World Aquathon Titles in Denmark in July.
Watched on by Walker’s parents Dave and Liz, 20-year-old Cronulla Triathlon Club member Breen added the 2018 title to his 2015 and 2016 victories. Breen secured an early lead before finishing in 30 minutes 18 seconds, winning by more than a minute from Sam Douglas and Alex Reithmeier.
Emma Jeffcoat led from start to finish to also win her third Richie Walker Aquathlon title in the women’s race. Jeffcoat (33.56) won by more than five minutes from Emily Jamgochian (38.58) and Amy Edwards (40.05).
Team Isogenics, made up of Glenn Gorick and Damien Keight, won the team event.
The event raised about $5,000 for the Heart Foundation. It was the 32nd running of the race since Walker, a promising triathlete and lifeguard, died suddenly and tragically from a heart attack during a race at Tamworth in 1986.