Great Britain's Kate Waugh produced a sensational performance to claim victory in her T100 Triathlon World Tour debut in Singapore, overcoming challenging conditions that forced several top athletes, including Tokyo Olympic champion Dame Flora Duffy, to withdraw.
Waugh, 26, proved to be a formidable competitor across all three disciplines. She emerged from the swim just seven seconds behind fellow Brit Jessica Learmonth, setting the stage for a thrilling battle. On the bike leg, Waugh and Learmonth pushed the pace, establishing themselves at the front of the race.
However, it was on the run where Waugh truly shone. She unleashed a dominant performance, recording the fastest run split of the entire field to secure a stunning victory. Waugh crossed the finish line in a time of 3 hours, 45 minutes, and 18 seconds, a commanding 6 minutes and 40 seconds ahead of second-placed Austrian athlete Lisa Perterer (3:51:58) and 7 minutes and 51 seconds clear of another Briton, Lucy Charles-Barclay, who finished third.
The intense conditions of the race took their toll, leading to a number of high-profile withdrawals. A quartet of stars, including Bermuda's own Dame Flora Duffy, were forced to retire early. Duffy, along with Finland’s Minttu Hukka and the British duo of India Lee and Lucy Byram, were unable to complete the race, highlighting the extreme demands placed on the athletes.
Waugh's victory marks a significant moment in her career, establishing her as a serious contender in the T100 Triathlon World Tour. Her performance in Singapore showcased her strength, speed, and resilience, while the challenging race conditions added to the drama and spectacle of the event.
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