The impact of Olympic qualification and then peaking for the games themselves is already having an impact on the ITU World Cup triathlon circuit in 2008. A handful of events have already been held, with the line ups varying greatly as athletes carefully plan their year.

Prior to the first ITU World Cup race in Mooloolaba, Australia a couple of Orca athletes put in excellent early season performances. Shane Reed took out the Oceania Champs and was announced as the third and final male in New Zealand’s Olympic triathlon team.

Meanwhile, across the Tasman Sea Courtney Atkinson, who was already in the provisional Australian Olympic team won both the Australian sprint and Olympic distance national championships.

Tim Don, who races in an Orca Apex 2, showed good form as he seeks a position in the Great Britain team, winning the ITU World Cup race in Korea. Fellow Britain Jodie Stimpson has also had early season success, winning the title of National Duathlon Champion at Bryn Bach Park.

The longer distance triathletes have also put in some fantastic performances. Cameron Brown won his seventh consecutive Ironman New Zealand title. In doing so he became the first ever Ironman athlete to win the same event seven times. He was pushed hard by Kieran Doe, one of the fastest swimmers and cyclists in Ironman. Doe led out the water in his Apex 2 and led the race until halfway through the run. Many tip Doe to take over Brown’s legacy, but Cameron has made it clear he intends to keep competing for sometime yet.

The 2007 Ironman World Champion and runner up have also enjoyed success recently. Chris McCormack, who races in a 3.8, won the Wildflower half Ironman. Craig Alexander returned to happy hunting grounds, once again winning the Ironman 70.3 race in St Croix.

Belinda Granger has shown good form early in 2008, winning the inaugural Ironman China race. Kate Major, who recently joined the Orca team, has also hit the ground running, taking out second place at Ironman Australia.

As noted in another story in Orca Echo, it’s not just triathletes that Orca sponsors who have been performing well. New Zealander William Trubridge set two new world records at a recent freediving competition in the Bahamas.

In addition to triathlon, Orca will also be on show at the Olympics with the New Zealand kayaking team. Steve Ferguson will be looking to replicate the success his father Ian enjoyed in the 1980s, going for gold with his K2 partner Mike Walker, while K1 500m competitor Erin Taylor has also qualified.