Kiwi Hayden Wilde dominates his debut at Laguna Phuket Triathlon, while Kate Waugh defends her title in a thrilling women’s race.
PHUKET, THAILAND – It was all action in paradise as Kiwi superstar Hayden Wilde stormed to victory at the 30th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, cementing his status as one of the world’s best. The Olympic silver medallist proved why he’s a force to be reckoned with, smashing his debut at Southeast Asia’s longest-running international triathlon on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Kate Waugh Keeps Crown as UK Star Dominates Women’s Race
In the women’s race, Britain’s Kate Waugh showed the grit of a champion, defending her title in style. And let’s not forget Thailand’s own Thanadon Wisarutsin, who kept the home crowd roaring as he claimed the Thai national championship for the second year running.
A Star-Studded Culinary Showdown
Over 1,000 athletes from 65+ countries descended on the tropical hotspot of Laguna Phuket, tackling a gruelling course that combined sheer athleticism with jaw-dropping scenery. Starting with a 1.8km swim, competitors then braved a punishing 55km bike ride through hills and lush landscapes before finishing with a 12km run under the blazing sun.
Wilde blazed through the finish line in a stunning 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 3 seconds. Fellow Kiwi Tayler Reid and Ukraine’s Rostyslav Pevtsov followed in second and third place, but the day belonged to Wilde.
“It’s been a dream to compete here, and it didn’t disappoint!” Wilde said, still buzzing from the win. “The course was brutal, but the views and energy were worth every second. What a day!”
Wonder Woman Waugh
Meanwhile, in the women’s division, Kate Waugh proved unstoppable. Crossing the line in 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 39 seconds, she outpaced Switzerland’s Alanis Siffest and fellow Brit Sian Rainsley.
“I’m so proud to defend my title here,” Waugh said. “The atmosphere is second to none, and Phuket always delivers an unforgettable experience.”
Local Hero Steals the Spotlight
In the Thai national category, 19-year-old Thanadon Wisarutsin thrilled the home crowd with his back-to-back title win, clocking an impressive 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 56 seconds.
30 Years of Triathlon Magic
This year’s event marked a huge milestone for the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, celebrated for its tough terrain and stunning backdrop. It’s not just a race; it’s a global spectacle that keeps drawing the best in the business.
Event organizers thanked partners like Thai Airways, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and local authorities for making the 30th edition a roaring success.
Paul Wilson, VP of Laguna Phuket, said: “What a way to celebrate three decades of this iconic event. The athletes were phenomenal, and the energy was electric. Here’s to another 30 years of excellence!”
Andrew J Wood was born in Yorkshire England, he is a former hotelier, Skalleague and travel writer. Andrew has 48 years of hospitality and travel experience. Educated at Batley Grammar School and a hotel graduate of Napier University, Edinburgh. Andrew started his career in London, working with various hotels. His first posting overseas was with Hilton International, in Paris, and he later arrived in Asia in 1991 on Bangkok with his appointment as Director of Marketing at the Shangri-La Hotel and has remained in Thailand ever since. Andrew has also worked with the Royal Garden Resort Group now Anantara (Vice President) and the Landmark Group of Hotels (Vice President of Sales and Marketing). Latterly he has been the General Manager at the Royal Cliff Group of Hotels in Pattaya and the Chaophya Park Hotel Bangkok & Resorts.
A past board member and Director of Skål International (SI), a former National President with SI Thailand and a two time past President of the Bangkok Club. Andrew is the former President of Skål Asia. In 2019, Andrew was awarded SKÅL’s highest award the distinction of Membre D’Honneur.
He is a regular guest lecturer at various Universities in Asia.
