KSH triathlon puts juniors on the path to fitness

Students of the KS Hawai‘i class of 2015 can now call themselves triathletes!

May. 14, 2014

Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth

Junior students at Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i can now add “triathlete” to the list of accomplishments in their high school careers. On April 28, 142 students of the class of 2015 swam, biked and ran to earn that distinction.

Students completed a super sprint triathlon which was comprised of a 400-meter (.5 mile) swim, a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) bike ride and a 2.5-kilometer (1.5 mile) run. Participants were broken into three successive heats, completing their swimming distance in a pool and then completing a bike and run course on campus.

The event was the culmination of a physical education program that starts with a freshman five-mile run and sophomore biathlon. Completing these, along with the triathlon, are graduation requirements.

KS Hawai‘i made the transition to individual students completing a triathlon in 2009. Prior to that, students would complete a relay triathlon in teams of three, each tackling their preferred skill. On the same island that hosts the annual Ironman world championship, it made sense to have this as the next logical physical challenge for these students.

“We hope in the end this builds confidence in them so that when they venture on their own as adults they see fitness is a big part of their life, they stay in shape and remain healthy. That’s our goal,” shared Ryan Cabalse, KSH physical education and health teacher.

The top male competitor was Caleb Baptiste (40:09) and the top female competitor was Pua Wong (44:43).

After completing the rigorous challenge, students were treated to an afternoon of relaxation, including lomilomi massage and mani/pedi treatments, thanks to the support of parents and staff volunteers.

See video highlights from the event below. Mahalo to kumu Bill Makaimoku for sharing photos from the event.