by Jo Hil

I know the big events are tomorrow when all the great athletes are out there battling it out for first place, but once again, I choose to do the other day.    I was a little disappointed in the turn out for the Youth Triathlon.   The kids we saw were giving their all, and only family and friends were cheering them on.  We were at the Capital for the first race for girls.  The leader during the bike race was so tiny, you knew she couldn’t be old enough.  But we sat with some of her friends and they were so impressed with the way the Triathlon was put together.  She told us this meet was the best yet for them.  I heard other visitors saying much the same. 

 

As we waited for the youngest girls to come to the viewing area in front of the finish line, the call went up–bikes coming, and the whole pack of elite bikers rode past in formation as they tested the track.  Rows of bikers with bright jerseys was a sight to see. 

 

Shortly after that the leaders of the first race came peddling past.  A short time later, a little athlete ran across the finish line for the Gold.  Followed shortly by the Silver Winner. 

 

These ladies were giving it all the had, even without fans cheering them on.  One young lady looked like she had done all she could, but she kept running and was far ahead of some of the pack. 

After returning to downtown Des Moines we got to see a few of the next age group fly past on their bikes. 
after that we came home and cooled off.  Now we wait for Sunday………..