finish in the top 15 in his age group at the World Championships.

The 42-year-old was a late starter in triathlon, but has made huge strides since taking up the sport five years ago.

And he has set his sights high for July, when he will take on the best triathletes from all over the world in Edmonton, Canada.

In recognition of an excellent year in 2000, Richardson was presented with the Bermuda Triathlon Association's Male Triathlete of the Year award at the weekend.

Known in triathlon circles for his dedication to training, Richardson spends the winter months in Florida's warmer climate, in pursuit of the best pre-season conditioning he can give himself.

"The worlds are what it's all about and my goal is top 15 in my age group,'' said Richardson. "That's going to be tough, but I've said it now, so that's my goal.

"The first big triathlon of the season will be the St. Anthony's, in St.

Petersburg, Florida, at the end of April.

"A lot of the top athletes from the US and Canada compete there, so if you place well, people take you seriously.'' Last year at the prestigious St. Anthony's race, Richardson did indeed place well -- sixth in the 40-45 age group and 42nd overall.

In addition, he clinched the national Olympic distance triathlon title, an age group fourth place out of 83 in the Powerman Alabama, and clocked an encouraging time of two hours, four minutes at a triathlon in Memphis, Tennessee, to round off his best year.

Richardson is confident that further improvement is imminent, despite his age.

"Breaking two hours is always on my mind,'' he said. "There are very few guys in the world in their 40s who can do it, but it would be nice to do it.

"Training's going great and I'm riding really well. I'm putting in a lot of time in the pool, six days a week. I'm trying to improve my swim, because it's so terrible.'' While in Florida, Richardson trains with professional triathlete Alec Rukusiev, who is now training for gruelling Ironman competitions.

Richardson felt a slightly more relaxed attitude to training this year compared to last was reaping dividends.

Getting in solid, steady mileage base in riding, running and swimming was more important to him than pushing himself to the limit too often.

"Last year, I was very tired, the training was so extreme,'' said Richardson.

"This year, I'm more organised, I'm doing a lot of indoor training and I feel better.'' A former top water skiier, who runs a water sports business in Bermuda, Richardson can now hardly wait for the season to start.

Karen Smith was named Female Triathlete of the Year. The fact she is national champion in Olympic distance triathlon, sprint triathlon and duathlon meant she had no rivals for the award.

Smith enjoyed success overseas as well, earning a remarkable second place in her age group in the Canadian National Championships.

Her astonishing rate of improvement over the past two years has led some to predict she is capable of a podium placing at this year's World Championships.

Andrew Davis was presented with the Most Improved Triathlete of the Year award, having placed third in the National Olympic Distance Triathlon Championships and first in the 16-29 age group in the Bank of Bermuda Triathlon.

Ashley Robinson Roberts took the Most Improved Female Triathlete of the Year.

The teenager was first in the 16-29 age group in the National Olympic Distance Triathlon Championships, in her first attempt at the distance and dominated the junior scene.

Jonathan Herring won the Peter Grayston Special Achievement Award, while Madeline DeSilva was named the John Buchanan Club Person of the Year.

And the Jim Butterfield Long Service Award went to Capital G and was received on behalf of the company by Corinne Frith.

Kent Richardson: Aiming for a top 15 place in his age group at the World Championships.