Africa Triathlon

Our third Exclusive Video of the series looks at the incredible relationship between Courtney Atkinson and the Japanese island of Ishigaki, the location of the longest standing ITU Triathlon World Cup. Having won the race five times in 2000, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, the Australian is well adapted to the heat and tough bike course, but also has his own personal story about the event.

During his second victory on the island in 2005 Atkinson lost his wedding ring in the harbour during the swim. He wasn’t able to find it, but since then has been blessed with top results and performances whenever he competes there.

Locally he is seen as a hero, with the Japanese lining the streets excited to see their favourite triathlete come back year after year. Watch all the exclusive features from 2009 by signing up to watch the back catalogue of magazine television programmes from the year at www.triathlon.org/tv.

Check back next Wednesday exclusively here on triathlon.org for the next instalment when go behind the scenes of the 2010 paratriathlon competition in London’s Hyde Park, which ran alongside the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series.