Triathlon: Whitfield, Groves Set to Race in Honolulu

Canada’s Simon Whitfield is competing in his first ITU event of 2004 in this weekend’s ITU Honolulu International Triathlon.

A spot on the American Olympic team is on the line this weekend in Honolulu – it is one of three American Olympic qualifying events. Because the event is also an ITU International Triathlon it is open to international athletes and valuable ITU ranking points are on the line.

Simon will face his toughest competition from training partner Australian Greg Bennett, who has already qualified for the Australian Olympic team, and the top ranked American - Hunter Kemper, who will be looking to secure his position on the American Olympic Team. Doug Friman and Joe Umphenour are other American favourites for the qualifying spot.

In the women's event British Columbia’s Lauren Groves, who currently holds two of the three COC standards required as the minimum for eligibility for the Canadian Olympic team, will find herself amoung some prestigious company on the Honolulu start line. Americans Barb Lindquist, Laura Reback and Sheila Taormina are all strong candidates for the win. Barb led the 2003 World Rankings all year, Sheila and Laura both claimed several 2003 World Cup victories and Laura had a phenomenal 2nd place finish in the 2003 ITU Triathlon World Championships. Australia's Maxine Seear and Loretta Harrop - both already qualified for the Olympic Games are also on the Honolulu start list. 2000 Olympic Champion Brigitte McMahon is also expected to race.

Live coverage will be available on beginning 12:30 Local Hawaii time