Optimism over diverse Manx Island Games triathlon squad

Mix of newcomers and experience heading to Orkney this month

There's optimism that the blend of new blood and experience in the Isle of Man's Island Games triathlon team can yield some success this month.

A total of ten athletes - six male and four female - will represent the Manx flag in the sport in Orkney from 12-18 July with no fewer than four of those making their games debuts.

When it comes to the women's race, team manager Juan Kinley believes this is the first time they'll have sent this many female triathletes to the event.

Speaking to Manx Radio, he and debutant Clara Isaac are both positive on the team's chances of having a good campaign:

Among those taking on the games for the first time will be Dom Dunwell and Nick Ardern in the open category whilst Clara Isaac and Wiktoria Maliszak will make their maiden appearances in the women's race.

Also involved in the female race will be Carly Craig who's previously represented the Island at the games in athletics.

Meanwhile, both Charlie Swales and Cait Gelder were part of the triathlon squad which claimed three medals in total at the last games in Guernsey in 2023.

Two years ago, Will Draper won individual bronze in the men's race; the men's team took team bronze and the Isle of Man 1 squad secured bronze in the team triathlon relay.

Elsewhere, Matt Looker makes a return after being injured in a bike crash during the 2023 games which subsequently ruled him out of the rest of that event.