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Lewis made the podium of the intermediate division at the Sydney International Regatta Centre on Thursday. His third place was in a time of 49 minutes, 29 seconds.
Philpott made the top six, with a time of 50:23, but recorded the fastest bike time of the day. He completed the bike leg in 24:32.
More than 100 participants contested the division for 15 and 16-year-old athletes. The race comprised a 600m swim, 15km ride and 4km run.
Philpott came out of the water in 39th position. His strong bike leg made up an amazing 32 spots, before the gained further ground on the run to take the final team spot. Lewis swam well. He emerged in 13th position, and was fourth after the bike leg.
Both boys’ goal was to make it to the nationals. They will now represent NSW at the School Sport Australia National Triathlon Championships to be held at the same course in April.
It’s the first time in seven years the nationals will be in NSW, and the Port lads could have a distinct advantage, with their familiarity of the course.
NSW management addressed the team and advised its goal was to beat Queensland, who has held the winning team mantle for several years.
Lewis and Philpott train on average 15 hours per week, and compete in club triathlons each fortnight, as well as race in the hotly-contested State Junior Series and Australian Junior Championship Series, with races held throughout Australia.
With more medals on offer in the relay event held the next day, Lewis helped his St Paul’s High School intermediate team win the gold medal and break the state record.