DaveM Photography

Iron Kids - 2011

One of my assignments this past year was to exclusively photograph one child during the IronKids triathlon. His dad is a teammate of mine in the Atlanta Triathlon Club and he wanted to make sure he got great shots of his son during the competition.

We had great weather this morning and I was surprised at the large group of kids participating in this event. I think there were just as many kids as most adult triathlons. I think that speaks well for the future of the sport.

There were many age groups and there was a long wait before Connor got to start. I waited at the edge of the pool and was amused and kind of annoyed at one of the mom's nearby. The event officials were changing up the lanes and making them narrow so that kids with less experience could easily reach for the wall or the rope to rest and regain composure if they got scared. The mom was complaining that they were too narrow and that her son wouldn't be able to pass.  This was a kids triathlon and it was more for the experience and introducing kids to the sport than any formal competition. All the kids received finisher's medals. Her son was one of the first in the pool, so he had no problem swimming and had no reason to pass anyone. Sometimes parents need to keep things in perspective and let kids have fun. There's plenty of time to get competitive at a later age.

Connor's turn came up and he jumped right in and had no problem swimming. It was a 50 meter swim.

I had to scramble and move quickly as he moved from the pool to the transition area.

He had a little bit of a problem putting on his shirt. I've experienced the same problem. It's a lot harder when you're wet trying to put on a tight fitting top.

Next up was the bike portion. These were some of my favorite from the day. He has got such a fierce and determined look on his face.

He looks just like his dad on the bike.

I think the run was only 100 yards, so I didn't have a lot of time once Conner came by on his way back to transition. I decided to go to the finish line and get a finishers photo there. I made it past the volunteers and took a chance behind the official photographer. No one said anything, but right as Connor was coming down the finisher chute a volunteer asked me to leave as I was not officially supposed to be there and only official volunteers were allowed in that area. I missed Connor crossing, but the official photographer caught the shot. I took a chance that I could sneak past, but got caught. Oh well. You win some, you lose some. By the way, the only official photographer was at the finish line. So it's a good thing I was hired to cover the rest of the course because I got a lot of great shots of Connor.

Of course had to get some great family shots. I like all of these, but I think the last one is my favorite. A great shot of a proud dad and his son. Congrats Connor, you're an IronKid!