Aussie triathletes set for world champs

TWO Jewish athletes will don the green and gold at the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Age Group Championships in Edmonton, Canada in August, with Deborah Shapira and Barry Lipp set to represent Australia in their respective events.

The Aussie team will be lead by deputy team manager Anne Besser, who guided the Jewish triathletes at the Maccabiah Games last July.

“It gives me great naches seeing these two qualify,” Besser told The AJN.

“It’s awesome to see Deb return, and it’s going to be fantastic to see Barry join the team for the first time.”

Shapira will compete in her fourth world championship, this time in the female 60-64 category.

“I’m looking forward to repre- senting Australia,” said Shapira.

“Last time I raced was in 2009 on the Gold Coast, where I finished in the middle of pack, but I was happy with that time.

“So I’ll do a heavy training load over the winter and I’m hoping that I can come close to that time again, but there are some pretty amazing women also competing.”

The Sydneysider picked up a silver medal when she took part in last year’s Maccabiah Games and is hoping to repeat that feat at a higher level later this year.

Meanwhile, Lipp will take part in his debut international tournament, coming up against the best athletes in the 55-59 age group.

During the Maccabiah Games, Besser convinced the Melburnian to eye off a spot at the world championships; and after superb per formances at national selection races in Yarrawonga, Canberra and Devonport, Besser believes he can match the high quality competition in his category.

“Barry is one of the most passionate and focused athletes I’ve met,” Besser said.

“He’s very intelligent about his training and his performances, so he’ll do great.”

Just days after the world champs, the trio will venture to Quebec to cheer on Besser’s husband Michael, who will take part in the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.

ASHLEY SHENKER