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Perth teen takes gold in under-19 division of Aquathlon World Champs in Canada

Bryce LuffWestern Suburbs Weekly

PERTH Modern School student Rahul Jegatheva is on top of the world after claiming gold at the Aquathlon World Championships in Canada last month..

Despite being the youngest competitor in the field of 239 male starters, the 15-year-old Joondanna resident finished first in the under-19 category and third overall.

He claimed his age division ahead of New Zealander Matthew Clough and British athlete Aidan Pierce after completing the 1km swim in the picturesque Lake Okanagan and 5km run in 31 minutes, 32 seconds.

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“I feel honoured to have represented Australia and to have done this well,” Rahul said.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be world champion.”

Prior to flying out from Perth, Rahul said he was nervous but excited to get his first start in a competition of this scale.

But he managed to defy the butterflies to start strongly and hold on for the win by more than a minute from second place.

“I felt good in my swim leg but in the run I think I went out a bit too fast,” he said.

“My leg started to spasm a bit, so I had to hold back little.”