Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre physiotherapists Rosie McCaughey, Mike van Alphan and Andrew Ritter after coming third in their category in the BRW triathlon.By Ben Hope
THE team at the Casey Aquatic and Recreation Centre (ARC) likes to practise what it preaches.
For three members of the ARC Sports Injury Clinic – physiotherapists Andrew Ritter, Rosie McCaughey and Mike van Alphan – this practice paid off when they finished third in their category in the BRW Corporate Triathlon.
“We are rapt,” Ritter said. “We were mucking around beforehand, saying we wanted to get on the podium but with so many professional athletes and with such a big field we thought it was pretty unlikely.”
More than 5500 competitors take part in the 400-metre swim, 10km bike and 4km run at Elwood Beach on 28 February.
This was the third year the ARC team entered the event after finishing 21st in the corporate mixed category in 2008 competition and fifth in 2009.
“Rosie raced first and she came out of the water first in her wave and by the first team transition we were fifth place,” Ritter said.
“I raced second and we were in third position when I handed over to Mike.
“It was hard going as it was a pretty windy day. With 5500 people, finding your bike in the transition area is pretty interesting.”
Van Alphan finished the race for the team, holding the third place and earning them a spot on the podium.
“We thought we would be in with a show but we were happy with the podium,” Ritter said.
“We are all pretty triathlon-mad here. Rosie has done the Ironman Geelong and Mark and I do most of the Gatorade series.”
The team trains every day, averaging about 10 sessions a week and are members of the Casey-Cardinia Triathlon Squad.
“The BRW Triathlon is something we talk about all year and it is really good for practice and morale,” Ritter said.
“It also motivates patients. We are trying to practise what we preach in getting involved in events and staying healthy.”
