GEELONG triathlete Jack Van Stekelenburg has finished a commendable 14th in the men’s triathlon at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China, this morning.
Jack landed the spot by accident only weeks ago, hampering his preparation. The triathlete originally selected to go to the Youth Olympics broke his collarbone four weeks ago.
Jack said he had been forced to escalate his training quickly given the short warning.
His performance followed a gold medal race by Australia’s women’s triathlon representative, Brittany Dutton.
Jack tweeted her race was “inspirational – almost shed a tear”.
The 17-year-old Melbourne Grammar boarder proved he inherited father John’s athletic genes, with both covering a variety of sports backgrounds.
John was a world champion water-skier as well as competing internationally in triathlons and ironman events.
Jack came to triathlon from a surf lifesaving and cross-country running background.
“I’ve definitely inherited a lot from dad,” he said.
“I’m training with him a lot as well; he pushes me on the bike. He’s extremely competitive – it’s amazing how good he really is.”
