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HOLLADAY -- Triathlons are grueling races -- an intense combination of swimming, biking and running. But 16-year-old Alex Bowcut, of Holladay, has been dominating the race circuit this year.
Alex ran in his first 5K three years ago and has quickly risen to the top of the triathlon world. He competes in sprint triathlons, which include a 400-meter swim, a 12K bike ride and a 5K run.
"I just love it. It's a passion," Alex says.
But this is more than a hobby; Alex has consistently placed in the top five overall in his races this year.
In a sport typically dominated by athletes in their 20s and 30s, this high school sophomore gets some strange looks at the starting line -- and looks of disbelief when he crosses the finish line long before his competitors."That's a feeling that you can't really explain," Alex says. "It's just all [the] emotions at once kind of come out."
Alex's biggest race of the year is Aug. 14 -- nationals. So, while his classmates are taking it easy this summer, Alex is preparing for race day.
"I'm running five days a week, biking three days a week, and swimming three days a week," Alex says.
He's also hoping for a strong finish…
"Just race; just go all out, you know? It's my ‘A' race, so I should be rested and ready to go," Alex says.
The young athlete, who hopes to one day to compete in the Olympics, says he was inspired to start competing by Lance Armstrong and his mother, after watching her complete a marathon.
E-mail: jstagg@ksl.com
