Courtney Atkinson's Recap

The weather at Geelong was unpredictable, as were the unexpected events during the Australian Sprint distance Championship for Subaru ambassador Courtney Atkinson. Vying for Olympic selection, this was not the race to do time in the penalty box. Not surprisingly Courtney, along with ironman Chris McCormack who suffered the same fate, finished outside of the top 5.

Fifteen seconds can be a race breaker at the best of times none more so than in sprint distances where every second is crucial. Read on for Courtney's recollection of the race and what's next.

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How was your race going before you were sent to the penalty box?
I actually felt very good on the day. My swim was perfect and I felt very at ease on the bike. My legs were feeling great but as the race progressed I was dropping wheels that I shouldn't have. Onto the run and I clearly felt I wasn't having the race that I expected after my form from the week before with my win at Caloundra as well as the standard I had been training at. It didn't make a lot of sense at first why I was running so dead legged.

Things are always clearer after the fact. Since returning home and riding my bike again I discovered my bottom bracket had almost seized up. Maybe the QLD floods had done a bit of a trick on the bearings? I will never really know for sure if it was this or I just had an off running day.

But you grow a thick skin quickly in this sport so there is always a few weeks time to race again and Geelong was still a great hit out for race practice and to have a look at the competition.

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What did you get time in the penalty box for?
I simply dropped my goggles on the ground and not in the box next to my bike. 15 seconds! Bang. I have been at the sport for a long time and many things are so automatic. My transition speed has always been a big strength and I just go on autopilot. Towards the end of last year I actually changed something in transition just to remind myself about the box.

I know the rule and accept the penalties, but I do have concerns about this rule when on the biggest stage - the Olympics. Imagine one of the Brownlee brothers being favourites to win the gold in their hometown only to have to stop for 15 seconds because their swim cap missed the box. I am not convinced the act fits the penance. Practically speaking there is not 15 seconds advantage in the transition. A performance advantage from cutting a buoy I understand or even to a smaller extent a false start.

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Geelong done and dusted, what's next and how does the rest of the year look?
My next race will be Devonport OTU Triathlon Oceania Championships on 10 March then up to Mooloolaba Triathlon. I am still confident that I am will be capable of a very good Olympic year. My training over summer has been great and right at this moment I just can't wait to get back out and race again!