Lukas Verzbicas wins 2011 Junior World Triathlon Championships

This past weekend in Beijing, China Lukas Verzbicas won his final competition as a junior triathlete and his last triathlon for the foreseeable future. This championship comes after Verzbicas made a promise to friend Kevin McDowell, who had been diagnosed with cancer and forced to sit out of this year's competition, that he would win the gold for him. McDowell was the 2010 bronze medalist in the event, one spot ahead of Verzbicas.

Verzbicas won the championship by 33 seconds while fellow American and track standout Tony Smoragiewicz, finished with the bronze. In an article from USA Triathlon, they stated it was the first time the US had two athletes on the podium.

Looking at the results, here is how Verzbicas ranked for each leg of the race amongst finishers:
Swim
Verzbicas - 11th (9:24)
Leader - 9:13

Bike
Verzbicas - 12th (30:16)
Leader - 30:05

Run
Verzbicas - 2nd (15:33)
Leader - 15:31 (Smoragiewicz)

Top 3 Overall
1. Lukas Verzbicas (USA) - 56:21
2. Justus Nieschlag (GER) - 56:54
3. Tony Smoragiewicz (USA) - 56:59

Click here for FULL RESULTS

For more on Lukas' win check out these articles:
USATriathlon.org
Chicago Tribune (by Philip Hersch)
Associated Press (a couple photos)

As we look back over the past couple years, there is a common trend in Verzbicas' results as an athlete. He sets a goal and accomplishes it. Two national records, two XC titles in 2010, sub-4, 3 national indoor titles in the same weekend and World Champ in triathlon....I'm probably leaving something out, but I'd say that is pretty impressive. If I've learned anything from watching this guy its never underestimate him.

Lukas will now head to Eugene to start his freshman year at the University of Oregon.