By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG triathlete Jack Van Stekelenburg has made his first Australian representative team, selected to compete at a Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.
The 17-year-old is proving he has 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.”
Jack, a Melbourne Grammar boarder, landed the team spot by accident – literally. The triathlete originally selected to go to the Youth Olympics broke his collarbone three weeks ago.
“It’s an unfortunate way to get your first crack at an Australian team,” Jack conceded.
“But it’s unreal that I’ve been given an opportunity like this, so I’ll do my best.”
Jack said he had to escalate his training quickly given the short warning, heading to Queensland for a training camp last weekend.
“I’d been backing off my training, although I was doing the cross-country season, so I was doing a lot of running.
“The course is going to be pretty flat with a lake swim but I’ve been told it will be 32C and pretty humid, along with a bit of pollution.”
Geelong hammer thrower Ned Weatherly has also been selected to compete at the Youth Olympics, from 16 to 28 August.
