Young athletes compete in Lincoln YMCA’s ninth annual triathlon despite downpour

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Despite the downpour of rain and cloudy skies Monday, the Fallbrook YMCA still held their ninth annual Youth Triathlon.

Over 100 child competitors stayed positive despite the less than desirable conditions at the race.

The kids swam, biked and ran different distances based on age.

“I’m just so impressed that they all seem to have such a positive attitude,” said volunteer Haley Wells. “They’re really enduring through it, it’s really interesting.”

This is her first time attending the event, and she says, “it’s something I don’t think I can do myself.”

Emmalie Wilcox is the executive director at the Fallbrook YMCA and says this program helps get kids motivated to tackle activity goals.

“The program started nine years ago as a way to just get kids involved in something that’s fun, a little bit challenging, and it just helps them to reach some of those goals that they set for themselves,” she said.

Many athletes at the event said they are not afraid of the conditions, instead, embrace the challenge. Many of them came prepared to compete.

“I went down this fast hill, so I can do this,” said young competitor Zoe Oatman, who ran alongside her brother Liam.

Eight-year-old Brooks Hanseling said he felt good going into the challenges.

“For the swimming, I was pretty confident because I’m pretty good at swimming, and I’m a pretty fast runner, and I do like biking,” he said.

Families stood out in the rain to cheer on their young ones competing in the race.

Clarissa Oatman said, “I’m just proud of them. I’m excited that they wanted to do this, so we did this.”

The funds raised during the race go toward the Y’s open doors program, which supports families who might not be able to afford a membership.