Young Athletes Shine at the 12th Annual TGH Citrus Kids Triathlon

Posted on March 10th, 2025 by

Young Athletes Shine at the 12th Annual TGH Citrus Kids Triathlon

The 12th Annual TGH Citrus Kids Triathlon, held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Bicentennial Park in Crystal River, FL, was a celebration of athleticism, perseverance, and community spirit. Over 500 kids, volunteers, and spectators participated in the event, which was sponsored by Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Crystal River and hosted by the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF). Managed by DRC Sports, this USA Triathlon-sanctioned competition brought together young athletes from across the region to compete in swimming, biking, and running.

With three divisions—Junior, Senior, and Tri4Fun—children aged 5-15 showcased their determination and resilience. The event emphasized personal achievement and sportsmanship, providing a platform for kids of all abilities to challenge themselves in a supportive, multisport environment.

Event Coordinator and CCEF Treasurer Amy McLaughlin, who has been involved since the inaugural race, spoke about the event’s deep roots in the community. “The Citrus Kids Triathlon is one of my favorite events. It’s more than just a fundraiser for CCEF—it’s a celebration of community. Seeing kids of all ages and abilities, along with families and volunteers, come together to support and cheer each other on is heartwarming. Every year, it reminds me how special our community truly is.”

McLaughlin reflected on her personal journey with the event, from supporting her son and daughter as first-time triathletes to becoming a dedicated organizer. “This was the 12th annual Citrus Kids Tri, and I’ve been part of it since the very first one—first as a parent when my son and daughter wanted to try something new, and ever since as either a parent or a volunteer. I hope to see this event continue to grow and benefit everyone involved.”

This year marked a significant milestone with the introduction of Tampa General Hospital as the title sponsor, further strengthening the triathlon’s mission to promote health and wellness among youth. Jennifer Siem, TGH Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Governmental Affairs, highlighted the event’s alignment with TGH’s dedication to fostering lifelong healthy habits. “At Tampa General Hospital, we believe in fostering healthy, active lifestyles from an early age, and this event perfectly embodied that mission.”

Linda Stockton, TGH Senior Vice President & TGH Crystal River Hospital President, emphasized the deeper impact of the triathlon beyond physical activity. “The TGH Crystal River Citrus Kids Triathlon was about more than just swimming, biking, and running—it was about determination, sportsmanship, and celebrating the incredible spirit of our young athletes. We look forward to additional opportunities to support education in Citrus County through our important and evolving partnership.”

Among the standout performances of the day was Senior Girls Age 14 Division 1st place winner—and fastest female competitor of the day—Jocelyn Daugherty, an eighth grader from Crystal River Middle School. A year-round swimmer for the Sun Coast Swim Team, which trains at Bicentennial Park Pool, Jocelyn shared her enthusiasm for the competition. “I love the sense of accomplishment, pride, and exhilaration after crossing the finish line. I also enjoy meeting other athletes from different areas who come to compete.”

With experience in multiple triathlons at both Whispering Pines and Bicentennial Park, Jocelyn has gained extensive multisport experience. Offering advice to aspiring young triathletes, she encouraged them to take the leap. “For anyone thinking about doing a triathlon, just go out and do it. It is a challenging feat, but just finishing the race is an accomplishment in itself. You may not place, but knowing you can train harder and push yourself more for the next one is what makes it worthwhile.”

CCEF Executive Director Shaunda Burdette echoed the sentiment that the event is about more than competition. “The Citrus Kids Triathlon, presented by Tampa General Hospital, is an opportunity for young athletes to build confidence, embrace a healthy lifestyle, and experience the joy of perseverance. At the Citrus County Education Foundation, we are proud to support an event that challenges students to push their limits while fostering a strong sense of community. We are grateful to Tampa General Hospital and all our partners for making this incredible experience possible for our kids.”

The enthusiasm and support from families, volunteers, and sponsors turned the 12th Annual TGH Citrus Kids Triathlon into a truly unforgettable event. With each passing year, the event continues to grow, inspiring young athletes to push their boundaries and celebrate the joy of sport. As the finish line banners came down and medals were awarded, one thing was clear: the spirit of triathlon in Citrus County is stronger than ever.

Jennifer Siem summed up the day’s impact perfectly: “Watching the kids challenge themselves, push their limits, and cross that finish line was truly inspiring. No matter their speed or skill level, every participant was a winner because they had the courage to step up, take part, and give it their all.”

2025 12th Annual TGH Citrus Kids Triathlon Results

Saturday, March 8, 2025

Senior Division (Born 2010-2014)

Male Age 11

  1. J. Coimbra – Wesley Chapel – 21:44.2
  2. A. Logvinov – Sarasota – 30:42.2
  3. M. Trail – Crystal River – 35:41.1

Male Age 12

  1. N. Schechter – Ocala – 24:13.1
  2. G. Lowe – Lecanto – 28:07.2
  3. J. Beauvais – Homosassa – 31:58.7

Male Age 13

  1. Landon Black – Lecanto – 28:44.1
  2. Thunder Ballantine – Gainesville – 29:07.0
  3. Davis – Clearwater – 31:12.5

Male Age 14

  1. Jake Bahner – Beverly Hills – 23:05.1
  2. Chang Lin – Inverness – 36:07.2

Male Age 15

  1. Konner Gonsalves – Inverness – 30:02.7
  2. Marcus Duey – Dunnellon – 40:01.2

Female Age 11

  1. M. Herrera – Beverly Hills – 29:10.9
  2. K. Hammond – Homosassa – 31:01.4
  3. H. Ballantine – Gainesville – 37:33.4

Female Age 12

  1. S. Hatley – Hernando – 41:16.3

Female Age 13

  1. Miroslava Logvinova – Sarasota – 27:49.7

Female Age 14

  1. Jocelyn Daugherty – Homosassa – 25:35.2
  2. Lilia Stone – Orlando – 29:36.3
  3. Rebecca Wilson – Lecanto – 36:32.9

Female Age 15

  1. Xiwen Liu – Homosassa – 30:09.7
  2. Madison Teitel – Inverness – 32:24.7

Junior Division (Born 2015-2020)

Male Age 6

  1. B. McKay – Orlando – 24:55.2
  2. T. Moore – Lecanto – 25:06.3
  3. R. Cummins – Inverness – 25:28.8

Male Age 7

  1. W. Lowe – Lecanto – 16:44.5
  2. E. Heron – Beverly Hills – 17:52.8
  3. H. Wright – Inverness – 20:13.5

Male Age 8

  1. S. Szymanski – Safety Harbor – 14:13.2
  2. C. Balmert – Crystal River – 17:03.8
  3. B. Mungovan – Hernando – 18:55.1

Male Age 9

  1. N. Garcia – Wesley Chapel – 12:49.9
  2. J. Ballantine – Gainesville – 15:58.5
  3. F. Rodrigues – Land O Lakes – 16:52.2

Male Age 10

  1. M. Beauvais – Homosassa – 15:49.6
  2. A. Russel – Land O Lakes – 15:50.6
  3. A. Lowes – Lecanto – 15:56.5

Female Age 7

  1. E. Stanton – Wesley Chapel – 22:34.8
  2. E. Rodrigues – Land O Lakes – 23:01.5
  3. A. Manoukas – Homosassa – 24:00.2

Female Age 8

  1. D. Coimbra – Wesley Chapel – 16:55.6
  2. S. Wester – Beverly Hills – 18:54.5
  3. D. Logvinova – Sarasota – 19:28.3

Female Age 9

  1. O. Maltas – Inverness – 17:48.3
  2. P. Clark – Inverness – 19:21.3
  3. S. Bender – Inverness – 20:54.3

Female Age 10

  1. A. Muller – Gainesville – 12:38.6
  2. E. Szymanski – Safety Harbor – 13:06.6
  3. S. Parulekar – Lutz – 14:41.9

 

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