Tony Dodds takes out first place at the New World International Triathlon in Hong Kong

New Zealand elite triathlete Tony Dodds took out first place in the Men’s Elite category of the New World International Triathlon in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Dodds ran an impressive race, leading from start to finish, showing excellent form despite only being back into training for two weeks. Coming out of the water 30 seconds ahead of the pack he proceeded to gain a 40 second lead on second place during the bike, coming across the finish line with a 90 second lead on first runner up, Simon Agoston (Austria). Dodds finished with a time of 01:24:49.

Run by Hong Kong multisport organisation, Aquawiz, this was the inaugural New World International Triathlon, the first ever triathlon be held in the centre of Hong Kong. The event attracted more than 300 international and local participants, including Olympic athletes Daniil Sapunov and Yuliya Yelistratova (Ukraine), Jose Silva (Portugal), Simon Agostron (Austria), Yuichi Hosoda (Japan) and Vladimir TurBaevskiy (Russia).

“Hong Kong was an amazing place to have a triathlon, and the event itself was organised well. I am ecstatic with the first place result, and look forward to returning again next year to defend my championship title!” said Dodds, who has become something of a minor celebrity in Hong Kong after the win. “It was amazing how much publicity I got in the local papers there, they were calling me ‘the little Kiwi’” he finishes.

Dodds originates from Wanaka, Central Otago, and is currently placed 41st in the world.