Ted MacNeil, 76, Wins World Triathlon Silver Medal

**Montgomery County’s Ted MacNeil, 76, Brings Home Silver from World Triathlon Championships**

Gold Coast, Australia – Montgomery County is celebrating a remarkable achievement from one of its own. Ted MacNeil, at 76 years young, proudly clinched a silver medal at the prestigious ITU Age Group Sprint World Championship on September 15, 2018. Competing fiercely in the Men’s 75-79 age group against top athletes from around the globe, MacNeil demonstrated incredible endurance and speed, completing the challenging sprint course in an outstanding 1 hour, 37 minutes, and 16 seconds.

The event, held against the stunning backdrop of Australia’s Gold Coast, saw MacNeil navigate a 750-meter open water swim, a demanding 20-kilometer bike ride, and a final 5-kilometer run with seasoned precision. His performance not only earned him a spot on the international podium but also brought significant recognition to the local triathlon community.

“Crossing that finish line and seeing my name on the leaderboard with ‘silver’ next to it was an incredible feeling,” MacNeil shared from Australia. “To represent Team USA and Montgomery County on a world stage, especially at my age, is something truly special. It just proves you’re never too old to set new goals.”

MacNeil’s journey to the world championships began much closer to home. He secured his coveted spot on “Team USA” just weeks earlier, on August 11, 2018. His qualifying performance came at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Cleveland, Ohio, where he placed fourth in his age group, earning him the ticket to the Southern Hemisphere.

The dedication required for such an accomplishment is immense. Leading up to the world championships, MacNeil maintained a rigorous training schedule of 12 to 15 hours per week. His routine was a testament to his discipline, involving three weekly swims at the Conroe Family YMCA, extensive cycling on local roads around Montgomery County, and focused stationary bike sessions, complemented by regular runs on the Conroe Family YMCA track.

He credits much of his refined speed and race-day readiness to his coach, Mark Saroni of Paragon Training. “Mark really helped fine-tune my speed workouts in those crucial final weeks,” MacNeil explained. “His insights made a significant difference in my preparation.”

Coach Saroni praised MacNeil’s unwavering commitment. “Ted is an absolute inspiration. His dedication to training, especially at 76, is unparalleled. He approaches every session with the enthusiasm of an athlete half his age, and it truly showed in his performance on the Gold Coast. He’s a testament to what consistency and passion can achieve.”

MacNeil is certainly no newcomer to the triathlon scene. His extensive career spans decades, having been a consistent competitor since 1983. His impressive resume includes a previous World Championship appearance way back in 1985 in Nice, France, where he placed 30th. He also notably clinched the Sprint Triathlon National Championship in 2004 for his age group and secured a third-place finish in 2005. This recent silver medal in Australia adds another gleaming highlight to an already extensive and profoundly impressive athletic career, further cementing his legacy as a Montgomery County sports icon.

His success serves as a powerful reminder to the community about the possibilities that open up with dedication and a passion for staying active, regardless of age.

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