It began in the predawn stillness of the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront, first with a trickle of entrants – children, teens and adults – quietly wheeling in their bicycles and clad in all manner of colorful triathlon garb.
But just over 90 minutes later, the Meek & Mighty Triathlon, a prelude to Sunday’s 42nd St. Anthony’s Triathlon, featured spirited cheers and a shared quest among some 700 athletes on Saturday, April 26. And there were many squeals of delight from all participants with the introduction of new Triathlon mascot Matilda the Manatee. This was her first event and she took all of the high fives the athletes dished out.
Participants ranged in age from a single digit to their 80s and had many different reasons for competing. Some felt pre-race jitters but others couldn’t wait to start their laps in North Shore Pool as pop music thumped through the speakers. But all were united in a sense of fun and, in the end, a feeling of unabashed accomplishment.
Stories were plentiful at the race that involves swimming, bicycling and running like the longer distance Olympic and Sprint triathlons taking place Sunday, which draws competitors not only around the area and state but the country and world.
There was the first finisher of the event by almost 10 minutes, Bryan Taylor, 42, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who traveled with his wife and three young children from their home in Jacksonville. “I really just raced today for my oldest daughter,” Taylor said, pointing to 8-year-old Eilidg (a Gaelic name pronounced Ailey). “She’s going to do the Meek & Mighty in an hour, and I just wanted to share the experience with her. I love this course, and the support is great.”
Eilidg’s assessment of her dad’s effort, which was two minutes faster than his 2024 time? “Brilliant!,” she said, alongside little sister Eleanor, younger brother Ewan, and their mother, Michelle, who will be competing in the Sprint event on Sunday. “The reason I do it,” she said, “is because I want the kids to know it’s about finishing and trying to do their best.”
There also was the first woman to cross the finish line, Andrea Silverman, wife of Tampa Bay Rays co-president Matt Silverman. What made her want to give it a shot for the second consecutive year? “Our daughter, who was 8-years-old at the time last year, did it and she inspired me to try it myself,” she said. All four members of the Silvermans are competing this weekend.
“I’m super proud of her and the example she’s setting for our daughters,” her husband, Matt, said.
And for the fourth consecutive year, Woodlawn Elementary School students, coached again by BayCare Kids Wellness and Safety team members, participated. “We actually taught somebody how to ride a bike for the first time during our practices, and she completed the race, which was very exciting,” said Camille Yodzis, a BayCare Kids educator.
Among the contingent was 10-year-old Ammi King. “I was nervous at first, but it wasn’t that hard,” she said. Her mother, Daniela King, couldn’t have been happier. “She did amazing!” King said. “Ammi has a lot of energy and likes to be active, and this was a great opportunity for her.”
The sense of excitement was equally evident prior to the race, especially in the “SLAPTRITEAM” tent. The Central Florida-based triathlon organization, comprised of kids and adults alike, is run and coached by former 15-year professional triathlete Sara McLarty, who competed in the St. Anthony’s Triathlon throughout the 1990s.
“I don’t think I’ve missed a St. Anthony’s weekend in 30 years,” said McLarty, who swam competitively for the University of Florida. She formed SLAP – which stands for Swim Like a Pro – 10 years ago and the group now has some 40 children and adults and draws from all over the state.
The SLAPTRITEAM members included the Coimbra family of Wesley Chapel. Early Saturday, Daniel Coimbra cheered on wife Suzan, and children, John, 10, and Daniela, 8, in the Meek & Mighty. “Triathlon has become our family vacation,” said the Daniel. “Everywhere we go, we try to find a race and stay for the weekend. And we love the St. Anthony’s Triathlon. It’s an amazing race with beautiful surroundings. We’re so glad to be here.”
Want to be part of the excitement? Learn more about the St. Anthony’s Triathlon at SATriathlon.com.
