Mix-up costs Draper victory (From Watford Observer)

Riverside Northwood athlete Sky Draper finishes third at Virgin Active London Triathlon

9:52am Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport

Riverside Northwood athlete Sky Draper was unable to retain her Female Junior Elite title at the Virgin Active London Triathlon after a mix-up during the race saw her end in third position.

In her last triathlon of 2012, Draper started well and exited the one lap swim 14 seconds ahead of second placed Sophia Saller in a time of 9.53.

The 16-year-old athlete came out of the first transition with a good lead and began the two lap cycle strongly.

However, the lead motorbike took made a wrong turn and Draper followed down the wrong route for at least six kilometres.

By the time she had returned to the circuit, she had fallen behind. Her bike split of 45.13 was nine minutes longer than Saller.

Despite the problems, Draper continued to perform well and she crossed the line in third position.

Her time for the run was 19.45, 33 seconds faster than Saller who claimed first place - Draper would’ve likely taken victory had the mistake not been made.

It has been a difficult campaign for the young athlete but she believes this testing season helps her fully appreciate her success.

"This season has been incredibly tough, not just physically but psychologically too - I’ve had lots to deal with and if I’m honest I’m ready now to draw a line under it and look to the opportunity that next year brings.

"If every year was great I guess I’d never fully appreciate success, and I think that for me a big step today was being able to take the disappointment and laugh it off.

"It’s not the Olympics, it’s not the end of the world, it was one race and there's nothing stopping me from coming back next year and proving my capabilities".