#IOLYMPICS - Murray targets triathlon medal

South Africa’s leading triathlete Richard Murray is looking for a podium place at his second Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

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Rio De Janeiro - With the memories of his horror crash from four months ago now a distant memory South Africa’s leading triathlete Richard Murray was looking for a podium place at his second Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Murray broke his collarbone in Australia in April which sparked a desperate race against time to get back into contention for a medal.

Making his debut in London 2102, Murray finished in a creditable 17th place but has since established himself as one of the world’s best athletes in the swim, bike, run event.

“I'm in a positive mind-set, I have left no stones unturned,” Murray said.

“I believe that my first Olympic Games was more an intro to big stage events and I have learnt from both the Games in London and the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“My form has come back quickly and I believe I'm in the best shape of my life.”

Murray’s comeback has been nothing short of miraculous after he had to wait months before doing any proper overhead work in the swimming pool.

He made his return to competition winning his maiden ITU World Duathlon title in June before signalling his return at the World Triathlon event in Hamburg.

The men’s triathlon raced over the 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run will be a close affair between some of the world’s racers.

London 2012 silver medalist Spain’s Javier Gomez considered one of the contender was ruled out of the Games after a minor bike crash in training.

His injury has narrowed the field slightly with the Briton Alistair Brownlee aiming to become the first triathlete to retain his title while his brother Jonny, who won the bronze in London would also be in the mix.

Murray’s training partner Mario Mola has also been among the top triathletes in the world since he finished 19th at the London Olympic Games.

“The likes of the Brownlees (British brothers Alistair and Jonny), and the French athletes would be to try and get away with the swim,” Murray said.

“I think it is going to be one of those cat-and-mouse type of games again at the Olympics, I think I’d be able to pull back on the bike and be in contention for a medal.”

Joining Murray in the men’s race in Rio, Schoeman has also made serious advances in world triathlon ranked top-10 in the world.

The country’s two female triathletes Mari Rabie and Gillian Sanders will be competing at their second Olympics respectively on Saturday.

Sanders finished 19th place in London 2012 while Rabie will turn out at her second Games, eight years after her debut in Beijing 2008. - Independent Media