Brothers share love of sport

22 Oct 2011 Brothers share love of sport

Posted at 5:27 PMh in Neighbors by 501 LIFE

by Sonja J. Keith

Brothers Bryan and Garrett Pendergraft share a unique interest in a grueling sport – triathlons. And they are good at it.

Both participated last year in the Conway Kids Triathlon, which sparked an interest that carried them recently to the IronKids national competition in Des Moines, Iowa.

“That’s what got them started,” said mom, Kim Pendergraft. “They both placed last year.”

The brothers have also competed in competitions in Little Rock; Fort Smith; Kansas City; Nixon, Mo.; Lawrence, Kan.; and Monroe, La.

At the national competition, Bryan missed first place by 1.07 minutes but finished 17th out of 69 11-year-olds. Garrett finished 14th out of 54 10-year-olds. There were 980 kids who participated in the event. Bryan placed 24th overall, and Garrett placed 47th.

For both boys, they enjoy triathlons because they are an individual sport. “I like to do it on my own, with God’s help,” Bryan said.

The distances for Bryan are typically a 200-yard swim, six-mile bike race and a 1.2 miles run. For Garrett, it is a 100-yard swim, a three-mile bike race and 0.6-mile run. Some swims are in pools and others are in lakes.

Kim said they had no idea what to expect when her sons started with triathlons. While she offers support, she does not push them to train, which they usually do together. “It’s got to be up to them,” she said.

Initially, the boys used regular mountain bikes to compete and all-purpose bike helmets. Bryan received a specialized bike for triathlons for Christmas, which he explains has made a “big difference.”

Participating in the Aquakids swim program has also helped.

According to Bryan, the two are best at the bike portion, followed by the run segment.

The brothers have posted impressive results. In nine races, Bryan had all first-place finishes. Garrett had five first places, two second places and two third places.

Of all the competitions, their favorite is the Conway triathlon because it is “fun and competitive.”

While Kim has researched the sport and tried to help with information on training, she hopes that her sons will get professional advice and training so they can continue to improve their times. Both are competitive and have high aspirations.

In the meantime, the 2011 competitions have come to a close. “Sadly, our triathlon season is over, but the boys’ records are pretty good,” said Kim. “We’ve learned a lot this year and will try again next year.”

Garrett Pendergraft

City: Conway

School: Fifth grade/ homeschooled

Favorite subject: Science

What you enjoy most about school: Reading

Career plans: God hasn’t told me yet.

Community activities: Blackbird Academy of Arts, AWANA, Aquakids, K-Life, violin and piano

Family: Parents, Buck and Kim; brother, Bryan; sister, Rebekah; and lots of animals, but particularly my cat, Grace.

Who do you admire the most: My mom

Favorite meal: Scalloped potatoes with ham and ice cream.

Most cherished possession: My bike

Most enjoyed weekend activity: Playing with friends and triathlons