Durango’s Zia Fadil continues to impress with her speed and athleticism at her young age. Fadil competed in only her third-ever sprint triathlon at the Payson Orchards Triathlon in Payson, Utah.
Fadil, 13, impressed by finishing 12th overall out of 215 athletes. She was the top female finisher with a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 29 seconds. Fadil was the top female finisher in this triathlon last year and was five seconds faster this year.
It was a reverse sprint triathlon for Fadil. This means it was a 5-kilometer run, 18-kilometer bike ride and a 300-yard swim. It was a reverse format because for normal triathlons, athletes swim first, then bike and finish with the run.
“My performance went pretty well,” Fadil said. “My time was pretty good compared to last year, it was a little faster. Winning the woman's race last year as well might have helped me win again this year, the confidence knowing I’ve won it once before and I can win it again.”
Fadil said biking is the hardest part of the triathlon for her because running was her first sport and it’s the sport she primarily competes in. She also swims with the Durango Swim Club in the winter to cross-train.
The soon-to-be eighth grader was happy the swimming was in a pool because she doesn’t like swimming in open water.
Fadil also likes the reverse sprint triathlon format better because finishing with running would be hard for her legs. She likes being able to attack the 5k first in the reverse format and then recover a little bit on the bike.
Since her first triathlon, Fadil is comfortable with how to strategize in her triathlon and she’s more comfortable with the high-intensity endurance of a triathlon.
Fadil is thinking about competing in the Lake Nighthorse Triathlon in September.
Three weeks ago Fadil competed in the Running Lane Track Meet in Huntsville, Alabama. This was a prestigious meet with mostly high schoolers from around the country competing.
Fadil ran a 10:59.99 in the 3200-meter race which was 13th in the second fastest meet and was 35th fastest out of 79 total girls. Fadil was the fourth-fastest middle schooler and second-fastest seventh grader with her time in the 3200.
In the mile, Fadil ran a 5:19.09 which was fifth best in her heat. She placed 65th out of 125 girls. She was the seventh fastest middle schooler and second fastest seventh grader.
“It felt really nice,” Fadil said. “The meet was great and it was good for me getting sort of dragged out with the mostly high school girls.”
Fadil was happier with her 3200 time as she was tired during her mile from the 3200 race.
Next up for Fadil is the USA Track and Field Colorado Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships in Aurora.
bkelly@durangoherald.com
