Bridgewater 11-Year-Old Wins State Kids Triathlon Title For 2nd Straight Year

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A Bridgewater 11-year-old triathlete returned to Swartswood State Park and again finished on top in the kids triathlon at the state championship.

Deanna Andolino took first place in the event held Sept. 19, marking her second straight first-place finish in the same triathlon.

She also competed in the event last year and has taken part in other triathlons, though her grandmother Elizabeth said there are limited opportunities for youth competitors.

"My first triathlon was in 2023 'The Wild Child' in Wildwood. I was 8," Deanna told Patch.

She said her introduction to the sport came through a family member who already competed.

"My uncle Steven Schaffer is a triathlete, and he influenced me initially. Now no one needs to influence me; I love it!" Deanna said.

She also pointed to her background in swimming.

"I have been on a swim team since I was 7, Streamline Aquatics Club, under the direction of Brian Greene, 'Coach BG'," she said.

Deanna has been part of the competitive swim team Streamline Aquatics for five years and also plays on the Bridgewater Lacrosse team.

Outside sports, her interests include theatre arts, cooking and baking, and spending time with family and friends.

Asked what it feels like to finish first, Deanna said the result reflects the work she has put in.

"It feels amazing to place, and first place is the absolute best!" she said. "It makes me happy and I see that my practice and training has its benefits. Who doesn't want to be a winner! It's the best feeling ever!"

She described herself as highly competitive and said she values both effort and enjoyment in sports.

"I am competitive in most things, especially sports," Deanna said. "I like to push myself and feel the excitement. You can't always win and come in first. Sometimes you fall short and need to practice more and put your whole self into whatever you are doing. Focus and motivation are important for me to keep going."

Deanna also had an honest assessment of one leg of the race. "I am still trying hard to love running, it's my least favorite event of the three," she said.

Her family said Deanna encourages other children to sign up and give the race a try. For Deanna, the appeal appears simple.

"I also like having fun with what I am doing," she said.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.