Olympic Silver Medalist Triumphs in Southeast Asia’s Longest-Running International Triathlon
Phuket, Thailand – New Zealand’s Hayden Wilde, a 2024 Paris Olympics silver medalist, celebrated an impressive victory at the 30th Laguna Phuket Triathlon, held on November 17, 2024. In the women’s division, the United Kingdom’s Kate Waugh successfully defended her championship title, while Thailand’s Thanadon Wisarutsin triumphed as the Thai national champion for the second year running.
Over 1,000 athletes from more than 30 countries converged at Laguna Phuket, showcasing the event’s stature as a premier global sports competition. The triathlon highlighted Phuket’s reputation as a world-class destination for international sporting events, combining rigorous athletic challenges with the island’s stunning natural beauty.
The race kicked off at 6:30 a.m. on Bang Tao Beach, with competitors navigating a demanding three-stage course: 1.8-kilometer swim in the Andaman Sea and a lagoon, 50-kilometer bike ride through hilly and scenic terrain, and 12-kilometer run within the grounds of Laguna Phuket. The competition concluded at Laguna Grove around 12:30 p.m., producing thrilling performances across the board.
Over 1,000 athletes from more than 30 countries converged at Laguna Phuket, showcasing the event’s stature as a premier global sports competition. The triathlon highlighted Phuket’s reputation as a world-class destination for international sporting events, combining rigorous athletic challenges with the island’s stunning natural beauty.
The race kicked off at 6:30 a.m. on Bang Tao Beach, with competitors navigating a demanding three-stage course: 1.8-kilometer swim in the Andaman Sea and a lagoon, 50-kilometer bike ride through hilly and scenic terrain, and 12-kilometer run within the grounds of Laguna Phuket. The competition concluded at Laguna Grove around 12:30 p.m., producing thrilling performances across the board.
In the men’s division, Hayden Wilde triumphed in his Laguna Phuket Triathlon debut with a finishing time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 3 seconds. He was followed by fellow New Zealander Tayler Reid, who clocked in at 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 13 seconds, and Rostyslav Pevtsov of Ukraine, who secured third place with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 3 seconds.
The women’s division saw reigning champion Kate Waugh retain her title with a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 39 seconds. Alanis Siffest of Switzerland took second place, finishing in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 54 seconds, while Sian Rainsley of the United Kingdom completed the podium with a time of 2 hours, 43 minutes, and 41 seconds.
In the Thai national category, 19-year-old triathlete Tanadon Witsarutsin captured his second consecutive title, finishing the race in 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Hayden Wilde shared his enthusiasm after his debut at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon: "This event has been on my bucket list for a long time, and it did not disappoint. The course’s stunning scenery and challenging terrain were remarkable. Despite the heat, it was an unforgettable experience, and I’m proud to have achieved this victory.”
Kate Waugh, the women’s champion, said: "I’m thrilled to defend my title in this prestigious event. Competing here is always a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to race in such an extraordinary setting."
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon remains Southeast Asia’s longest-standing international triathlon. Known for its challenging course and breathtaking views, the event continues to attract elite athletes and amateur competitors from around the world.
The event’s success was made possible by the support of key partners, including: Phuket Province, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Sports Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.
Paul Wilson, Vice President and Deputy Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, congratulated the winners and expressed his gratitude: "We are delighted to celebrate this milestone event and thank the athletes, partners, and supporters who made it possible. The 30th Laguna Phuket Triathlon has been a tremendous success, and we look forward to an even more spectacular edition next year.”
For more information about the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, visit www.facebook.com/LagunaPhuketTri or www.lagunaphukettri.com.
The women’s division saw reigning champion Kate Waugh retain her title with a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 39 seconds. Alanis Siffest of Switzerland took second place, finishing in 2 hours, 39 minutes, and 54 seconds, while Sian Rainsley of the United Kingdom completed the podium with a time of 2 hours, 43 minutes, and 41 seconds.
In the Thai national category, 19-year-old triathlete Tanadon Witsarutsin captured his second consecutive title, finishing the race in 2 hours, 56 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Hayden Wilde shared his enthusiasm after his debut at the Laguna Phuket Triathlon: "This event has been on my bucket list for a long time, and it did not disappoint. The course’s stunning scenery and challenging terrain were remarkable. Despite the heat, it was an unforgettable experience, and I’m proud to have achieved this victory.”
Kate Waugh, the women’s champion, said: "I’m thrilled to defend my title in this prestigious event. Competing here is always a privilege, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to race in such an extraordinary setting."
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Laguna Phuket Triathlon remains Southeast Asia’s longest-standing international triathlon. Known for its challenging course and breathtaking views, the event continues to attract elite athletes and amateur competitors from around the world.
The event’s success was made possible by the support of key partners, including: Phuket Province, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Sports Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and Thai Airways International Public Company Limited.
Paul Wilson, Vice President and Deputy Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, congratulated the winners and expressed his gratitude: "We are delighted to celebrate this milestone event and thank the athletes, partners, and supporters who made it possible. The 30th Laguna Phuket Triathlon has been a tremendous success, and we look forward to an even more spectacular edition next year.”
For more information about the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, visit www.facebook.com/LagunaPhuketTri or www.lagunaphukettri.com.
