Islander excels in triathlon
By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Early this year, Brigitte Egbert decided to hit the weight room to see if a stronger body could produce a faster triathlon.
At the Minolta Ironman Australia on Sunday, the 29-year-old lifted herself to an age-division victory and became the first female Hawai'i resident ever to break 10 hours in an ironman triathlon.
Brigette Egbert made under 10 hours in an Australia ironman triathlon.
Egbert finished the 3.8-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run in 9 hours, 53 minutes and 13 seconds. She was the first amateur and the 10th woman overall to complete the race. In addition to winning the women's 25-29 age group, Egbert also qualified for a return to the Hawai'i World Championships in Kona this October.
"We knew she'd have a good race," said Raul Boca, Egbert's coach. "She's a petite girl, so I think the weight training really helped her. She has a running background, but she's a very balanced athlete."
Egbert, a former runner and swimmer at 'Iolani School, was one of seven Team Boca members to make the trip to Australia. Teammates Chris Tang (9:37:15) and Joe Zwack (10:15:08) also earned berths in the Kona Ironman.
Other team members included Egbert's husband Bob, who finished in 10:22:00 despite having the flu, Kenton Eldridge (13:09:59), Tanya Florin (12:04:21) and Ruthie Wells (14:41:42).
