Last year when he competed, his goal was basically the same, but at the time, he had to settle for second place in the overall finish.
This year, however, Dale was more focused and more determined.
And his determination paid off. Dale was the first individual competitor to cross the finish line.
“I was determined to take it this year,” said Hill, following his win on Saturday morning at Taino Beach.
“The race was somewhat difficult because of the heat. But I got used to it quickly. But I’m glad that it’s over.”
In spite of the heat, Hill said that the conditions for the swim and the other races were suitable.
Asked which event of the triathlon was toughest for him, Hill admitted that the swim was the roughest.
“That’s because I can’t swim,” said the Abaco native.
“I’m like most Bahamians, surrounded by water and can’t swim.”
But Hill made up for his swimming handicaps, by going all out in the cycling and run to finish in first place overall.
Hill is no stranger to triathalons, having done a number of them while in high school.
He’s also no stranger to the Conchman, having competed in the local event for more than five years.
Training for this year’s Conchman was a challenge for Hill.
First he suffered from an injury, which put his training back, then with the passing of two tropical storms and one hurricane through the island of Abaco, training came to a virtual standstill.
“For the past couple of weeks I haven’t been able to do any swimming, because the water has been so messed up,” said Hill.
“Also, with almost constant rain, I haven’t been able to do that much biking, but this was like the last triathalon for the season, so I knew I had to compete.”
But Dale was determined to make it to this year’s Conchman, and even more determined to win it.
With David and Andrew Bell out of this year’s race, it left the door wide open for others to step up into the winner’s circle.
Hill was one of those who took up the challenge to fill that void.
“I really didn’t know anyone else in the race, so I didn’t know what to expect as far as competition is concerned,” said Hill.
“But I was second last year and I really wanted this race.”
The Conchman was only a part of the reason why Hill and a number of other athletes from Abaco came to Grand Bahama.
Hill noted that he and his crew wanted to use their time here to assist with victims of Hurricane Wilma.
After the Conchman, the crew drove down to Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard and Eight Mile Rock to see where they could have assisted those affected by the hurricane.
“This trip was more than just fun or competition for us,” said Dale.
“We came to see what we could do to help, where we can.”
By Andrew Coakley, Freeport News Sports Editor
