You thought they were tough.
Two Central Saanich police officers are in New York this week to compete as triathletes at the World Police and Fire Games.
Cpl. Ondine Easson and her husband, Cpl. Pat Bryant, are representing the Central Saanich Police force at the biannual event, which brings together 15,000 athletes from law enforcement and fire services all over the world, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 5. It’s the second largest multi-sport event, after the summer Olympics.
Easson appreciates that these kinds of events showcase the police force’s involvement in the community.
“It’s good for people to know that we do more than just give people tickets … we have a life.”
She’s hoping to repeat her gold medal performance in the women’s 45-49 age category at the 2009 games. She said because fewer police officers are women, the field is usually small, but she has no idea how many competitors she’ll have to face at this year’s games.
Bryant will also be defending a past star finish in the triathlon. He won fifth in the men’s 45-49 category in 2009.
Both will be racing the Olympic distance 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike and 10 km run.
The two train year-round for multiple triathlons.
“We like to be fit. We like to be able to respond faster to the bad guys,” Easson said, laughing.