GTMO gives its best 'Tri'

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs
Story by Sgt. Christopher Vann

Date: 03.28.2014
Posted: 03.28.2014 11:14
News ID: 123034

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Naval Station Guantanamo residents participated in this year’s sprint triathlon, Saturday, March 22.

If you don’t know what a sprint triathlon is, it is a battle of endurance, willpower and pride. The inaugural event consisted of three events: a 750m swim starting at Ferry Landing, a 20k bike ride mainly up and down Sherman Ave., and concluded with a w5k run that ended at the Downtown Lyceum.

With nearly 80 participants and volunteers present, the triathlon never lacked excitement.

“This was such a great event,” said Angel Parsons, a triathlete. “It means a lot for me to be able to do this with my 11-year-old daughter. I’m so proud of her.”

Parsons daughter, Mia, shared her joy for the triathlon experience, “This is my first time doing something like this, and it was really fun. I enjoyed it!”

Medals were awarded to the first, second and third place teams in multiple categories. One participant, Air Force Capt. John Bone, a member of the first-place men’s team was nearing the finish line of the run portion with only 50 yards to go when the national anthem started playing.

When asked about what was going through his mind while running during the music, Bone stated, “America would want me to win the triathlon more than they would want me to stand for the colors. I won this race for America!”