K-Swiss cites triathlon champs

MANILA, Philippines - K-Swiss, a line of sports shoes distributed in the Philippines by Planet Sports, Inc., recently honored world-class athletes who had won major international triathlon events in the past year.

Leading those cited for their achievements in their K-Swiss footwear is Australian Luke McKenzie who ruled the third annual Ironman China in Haikou, Hainan on March 14.

McKenzie dominated the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run on a course considered to be one of the toughest Ironman has to offer.

McKenzie set a new course record in his K-Swiss K-Ona footwear in 8:41:15, an incredible 11 minutes and 14 seconds ahead of second place.

Australians continued to dominate the podium in Hainan at Ironman China 70.3, a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 26.2-mile run on March 14.

Belinda Granger won in 4:42:58., besting defending champion Amanda Balding (5:27:35). On the men’s side, Chris McDonald placed second in 4:21:39.

Trek/K-Swiss athlete Julie Dibens placed first at the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, a 1.8-mile swim, 124.2-mile bike and 12.4-mile run, in United Arab Emirates on March 13.

Dibens won in 7:08:25 despite having to deal with a flat tire. Runner-up was fellow K-Swiss athlete Leanda Cave who finished in 7:12:23 seconds. Representing the men was Fraser Carmell, who placed fourth in 6:36:12.

 At the Stateside at the Miami International Triathlon in Miami, Florida on March 14, several K-Swiss triathletes finished among the top 10 men.

Leading the men was Chris Lieto who finished the .9-mile swim, 24.8-mile bike and 6.2-mile run in 1:48. Lieto was immediately followed by Matty Reed (148:14), Andrew Yoder (1:48:47) and Maksym Kriat (1:55:11).

K-Swiss is a publicly traded company founded more than 40 years ago in Van Nuys, California. K-Swiss introduced the first all-leather tennis shoe, the K-Swiss “Classic” in 1966. 

Since its inception, K*Swiss has rooted itself in California Sport with an aim to be the most inspiring and innovative sports brand in the market.  Today the company offers performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel for several categories under its California Sports umbrella including Tennis Heritage, California Fit (Running, Triathlon and Fitness) and California Youth.  For more information about K*Swiss, visit www.kswiss.com.