RUSSELL WHITE PRODUCED a superb career-best performance at the end of a physically-demanding block of races to become the third Irish triathlete to win a World Cup medal.
The 26-year-old was in strong form throughout the Olympic distance race at Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic, to achieve the standout result of his career and follow Aileen Reid and Bryan Keane onto the World Cup podium.
White emerged fifth out of the water after the 1,500 metre swim and maintained the momentum over the hilly bike course, before a blistering run of 29 minutes 43 seconds over 10km saw him take home silver.
White finished just 14 seconds behind the winner — Russia’s Dmitry Polyanskiy — but was understandably delighted afterwards.
“I am buzzing to have finally made my first World Cup podium,” he said. “I have had a massive racing block with eight races in seven weeks but I am so glad that I have managed to get better with every race.
“I’ve had an up and down season this year with being in very good shape for Commonwealth Games, not using that fitness and then getting sick shortly after.
“It has been hard to turn it around but I can’t believe that I have not only turned it around but managed achieved a career-best result.”
White’s second-place World Cup finish also provides a huge boost for his Olympic qualification hopes, as he heads to the World Triathlon Grand Final in Australia later this month.
“I now turn my focus to the Grand Final in Gold Coast in two weeks and then round off the season with three further World Cup events next month,” he added.
“Thank you for all the support from home and it is great to get the Irish trisuit back up onto a World Cup podium.”
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