Summerlin triathlete narrowly misses qualifying for national squad

By Brent Hinckley

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 | 4:52 p.m.

Courtesy photo

David Wignall, 61, of Summerlin, rides his bike during one of his recent triathlon competitions.

Summerlin resident David Wignall hoped a strong showing at the USA Triathlon Age Group National Championships in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 20 would extend his triathlon career a few months longer.

However, Wignall, 61, finished in 21st place in 2 hours, 38.02 minutes in the 60 to 64 age group. He needed be in the top 16 to be on the national team and earn a trip to the age group World Championships in New Zealand in 2009.

"I did better than last year, but it is disappointing not to make that top group," Wignall said.

He said that while he's still competitive in the swim and bike events, problems in his knees keep him from running properly.

The age group championships are Olympic-distance triathlons of .93 mile swim, a pair of 24.9 mile bike rides and 6.2 mile run. A full triathlon consists of a 2.1 mile swim, 112 mile biking and 26.2 mile run.

Wignall was in his mid-30s when he competed in his first triathlon, nearly 25 years ago in 1984.

He's completed three Ironman or full triathlons in his career and has competed in Europe, Canada and Hawaii. He's also competed in nearly 20 Olympic-distance triathlons.

His first interaction with a triathlon came in 1983 in Park City, Utah, where he was a crew person for his older brother who was competing. He ended up running alongside his brother during the marathon portion and Wignall was hooked.

He moved to Las Vegas in 1990 and shortly after joined the Southern Nevada Triathlon Club.

"He's just been an awesome competitor and so many people look up to him. What David has accomplished over the years is amazing," club president Dave Carlson said.

While he's no longer able to compete at the level he once did, Wignall said he still enjoys participating because it keeps him healthy.

"I was and continue to be motivated by the success, accomplishment, lifestyle, and rewards of my interest in exercise physiology and nutrition," he said. "I'm going to miss competing though."

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-2687 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com..