Zia Fadil impresses in recent national triathlon and athletics competitions – The Durango Herald

The Miller Middle School student was the top female finisher in the Payson Orchards triathlon.

Durango’s Zia Fadil continues to impress with her speed and athleticism at her young age. Fadil competed in only his third sprint triathlon at the Payson Orchards Triathlon in Payson, Utah.

Fadil, 13, impressed by finishing 12th overall out of 215 athletes. She was the best female with a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 29 seconds. Fadil was the best woman in this triathlon last year and was five seconds faster this year.

It was a reverse sprint triathlon for Fadil. That means it was a 5 kilometer run, an 18 kilometer bike ride and a 300 meter swim. It was a reverse format because for normal triathlons, athletes swim first, then cycle, and finish with running.

“My performance went pretty well,” Fadil said. “My time was pretty good compared to last year, it was a little faster. Winning the women’s race last year as well could have helped me win again this year, the confidence knowing I’ve won it once before and can win it again.

Fadil said that cycling is the most difficult part of triathlon for her, because running was her first sport and it is the sport in which she mainly competes. She also swims with the Durango Swim Club in the winter for training.

The soon-to-be eighth grader was happy that the swimming was in a pool because she doesn’t like swimming in open water.

Fadil also prefers the reverse sprint triathlon format, as completing the race on foot would be difficult on his legs. She likes to be able to attack the 5 km first in reverse format and then recover a little on the bike.

Since her first triathlon, Fadil has been comfortable with how to strategize in her triathlon and she is more comfortable with the high intensity endurance of a triathlon.

Fadil plans to compete in the Lake Nighthorse triathlon in September.

Three weeks ago, Fadil competed in the Running Lane Track Meet in Huntsville, Alabama. It was a prestigious competition bringing together mainly high school students from all over the country.

Fadil ran a time of 10:59.99 in the 3,200-meter race, placing 13th in the second-fastest competition and 35th out of 79 girls overall. Fadil was the fourth-fastest middle school girl and second-fastest seventh grader with her time in the 3,200.

In the mile, Fadil clocked 5:19.09, giving him the fifth fastest time in his heat. She placed 65th out of 125 girls. She was the seventh fastest middle school girl and the second fastest seventh grader.

“It was really nice,” Fadil said. “The competition was great and it was good for me to hang out with mostly high school girls.”

Fadil was happier with her 3200 time as she was tired during her mile of the 3200 race.

Next up for Fadil will be the USA Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Colorado, Aurora.

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