Kirsty braves the chill to thrill in Canada

Jun 8 2008 By Fiona Russell

SCOTTISH teenager Kirsty McWilliam braved the elements to take gold in the triathlon junior world championships.

The 18-year-old swam 750m through freezingwater in Canada before somehow forcing her numb body to finish the job on a 20km bike and 5km run.

And McWilliam admitted the dismal weather back home was the perfect preparation for the gruelling conditions in Vancouver.

She said: "It was freezing out there but I'm from Scotland so I'm used to it.

"I thought I would never get my freezing feet into my trainers. It felt like a total nightmare."

McWilliam, from Milton of Campsie, also won silver just weeks ago at the ETU European Triathlon Championships.

But she admitted this triumph came as a major shock and said: "I just can't believe this. It is turning out to be a fantastic year.

"It was great to get a medal in the Euros but to take gold in the worlds is totally awesome."

McWilliam was third out of the water but closed the gap on the bikes before clinching victory on the run.

She finished 38 seconds ahead of Aussie Ashleigh Gentle with Zsofia Toth of Hungary claiming third.