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Saturday, July 12, 2003

By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

For the past 20 years of his life, former Olympian Nick Radkewich competed in triathlons, for the past decade or more on a world-class level. After retiring from his sport within the past year, Radkewich will participate tomorrow at the Seagate Pittsburgh Triathlon at the North Shore Riverfront Park.

He won't be out to win it. And that will be an altogether different feeling.

"Not at all," said Radkewich, when asked about his goal for the event. "That's probably the first time I ever said that. I've had a long and successful career as a professional. I was the first to do a lot of things in the sport, like go to the Olympics and compete. It's been a great sport for me, but this will be my first attempt to enjoy one without competing."

The sixth annual Seagate Pittsburgh Triathlon and Adventure Race takes place tomorrow in and around the waters of the Allegheny River. The race starts at 7:30 a.m.

This is the second year the race is being staged at a downtown venue, and event organizers are hoping to draw attention to the race in hopes it will grow into a championship event.

Radkewich, 32, was happy to accept an invitation from race organizer Deb Weaver, who he has worked with in the past.

"I think it's really important," said Radkewich, one of three Americans to participate in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, the inaugural year the triathlon was contested as an Olympic sport. "Fitness is becoming a huge issue. There is a desire for people to move back into a city, but people still want safe places to ride and run on trails."

Triathletes swim, bike and run a course. The swimming portion of the event could be replaced by another running event if the Allegheny is unsafe due to the recent rainfall. The Allegheny County Health Department will make a determination tonight on whether the waters will be safe.

The race benefits Friends of the Riverfront. For race information, call 412-488-0212.