The 2024 BC Summer Games triathlon event was absolutely spectacular. Held in Maple Ridge’s secluded Whonnock Lake, the event brought together the province’s most promising young athletes aged 14-16 for a display of endurance, speed, and determination.
Athletes competed in five multisport events of the 3 days of competition. Day-1 began with the Super-Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon, Day-2 held the F1 Triathlon and Relay, and Day-3 concluded the weekend with an Aquathlon. Race Directors Paul Filippi and John Okeefe, of the Abbotsford Triathlon Club, created beautiful and challenging courses for the athletes to compete on – and Kevin Heinze was on hand to inspire and motivate the athletes with his professional announcing skills.
Every start line was full of excitement and unknowns – with a field comprised of seasoned veterans, cross-over athletes, and new-to-multisport athletes, the podium spots were open to anyone. Through the ups and downs of racing, all athletes emerged with a smile on their faces, a few battle wounds, goals achieved, and a thirst for more racing. The experience zone coaches were always there to help athletes set goals, prepare for each event, and support the athletes to always find the learnings after each event.
Outside of the multisport events, athletes took part in team building exercises, open ceremonies, and evening BC Summer Games activities. The athletes took ownership of their responsibilities during the games, where each day they were packing their race gear, loading the bus from their school accommodation to the food halls, making it out to the venue, and setting up their transition in preparation for their events – all under the guidance of their zone coaches. The BC Games is more than a sporting event, it brings young athletes together to create lifelong friendships and memories.
“The BC Games was such an amazing experience. I met so many new friends and coaches, learned new things about myself and the sport as well as accomplished some unexpected goals. Whonnock lake was a beautiful place to hold the event and I can’t wait to see what the future will bring. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed!” Jenaya Clegg (Zone 5) – 3x Gold.
“The games were a wonderful experience for me. With the Olympics coming up soon after, I could imagine myself racing. But the best part for me was making new friends, because it made the games more competitive and fun at the same time. This experience is something that I will cherish for a long time.” Sebastian Damian (Zone 6) – 4x Gold.
“I love the positive and team oriented atmosphere of the Games – they’re such a great racing and learning opportunity for the athletes. I also really appreciate the cooperation and support from all the zone coaches – it really makes it feel like we’re all part of the same big team.” Tuppy Hoehn – Head Coach Zone 7/8.
Medal Performances:
Girls 16yr old
Avery Dies (Zone 2) won two Golds (Tri, Aqua), Silver (F1), and Bronze (Dua)
Elsa Romanik (Zone 6) won two Silver (Tri, Dua) and two Bronze (F1, Aqua)
Megan Johnstone (Zone 5) won Gold (F1), Silver (Aqua), and Bronze (Tri)
Nelle Liefsoens (Zone 6) won Gold (Dua)
Girls 14-15yr old
Jenaya Clegg (Zone 5) won three Gold (Tri, F1, Aqua)
Adianta Cocksedge-Hamilton (Zone 6) won two Silver (Tri, F1) and two Bronze (Dua, Aqua)
Teagan Sprules (Zone 2) won Gold (Dua)
Bronwyn Sprules (Zone 2) won Silver (Dua) and two Bronze (Tri, F1)
Lily Edstrom (Zone 2) won Silver (Aqua)
Boys 16yr old
Lucas Pearson (Zone 6) won Gold (F1), two Silver (Tri, Dua), and Bronze (Aqua)
James Reed (Zone 7) won Gold (Tri), Silver (Aqua), and Bronze (F1)
Ethan Woo (Zone 6) won Gold (Aqua), Silver (F1), and Bronze (Tri)
Davis Spencer (Zone 2) won Gold (Dua)
Joshua Tam (Zone 4) won Bronze (Dua)
Boys 14-15yr old
Sebastian Damian (Zone 6) won all four Gold! (Tri, Dua, F1, Aqua)
Advaith S. Iyer (Zone 4) won two Silver (Dua, F1), and Bronze (Aqua)
Christian Hickey (Zone 8) won Silver (Aqua), and Bronze (F1)
Grayson Krieger (Zone 6) won Silver (Tri)
Oscar Nelson (Zone 8) won Bronze (Tri)
Jordan Ma (zone 5) won Bronze (Dua)
The Amazing Zone Coaching Team:
Zone 1/2: Holger Bohm, Shelby Lehmann, Kevin Bessey
Zone 4/5: Kristine Chambers, Jenn Dawkins, Jim Winters
Zone 6: Kris Hildebrand, Ember Bruszkowski
Zone 7/8: Tuppy Hoehn, Mike Reed, Theresa Simoes
View the BC Games Flickr Album Here.
View the Full BC Games Results Here.
The 2026 BC Summer Games will take place in Kelowna. These Games will be for athletes aged 14-15 (born 2011 and 2012). More information will be available in 2025.
