Hewitt Named International Triathlon Rookie

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Hewitt Named International Triathlon Rookie of the Year

Following a solid tenth place finish in the women’s category at yesterday’s 2006 BG New Plymouth Triathlon World Cup, New Zealand elite triathlete Andrea Hewitt was named ‘2006 Rookie of the Year’ by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) at a function in New Plymouth last night.

24 year-old Hewitt of Christchurch, coached by New Zealand triathlon legend John Hellemans, received the award as a result of a stellar season on the World Cup circuit which featured three podium finishes – third at Mooloolaba in March, second at Madrid in June and third at Salford in July, along with a bronze medal at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Her first season on the elite circuit, Hewitt finished ninth in the overall women’s rankings. Hewitt last year took out the Under 23 World title in her fourth ever triathlon.

A former surf lifesaver, Hewitt said she was delighted to be named the ITU Rookie of the Year and was also pleased to be in the top ten overall rankings in her first season.

“It’s been a brilliant season – I’ve learnt so much from the other women. To come in ninth amongst such great names in the sport is a great feeling.

“I’m looking forward to another great season next year.”

Yesterday’s 2006 BG New Plymouth Triathlon World Cup race was the fifteenth and final stop of the 2006 BG Triathlon World Cup series, as well as the final event in the first ever World Triathlon Festival to be held in New Zealand. The top three women at the end of the season are Vanessa Fernandes (POR), Joelle Franzmann (GER) and Anja Dittmer (GER).

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