Tyler Butterfield believes that the future of local triathlon is in good hands with a promising crop of youngsters coming through the ranks.

The 35-year-old professional was among the crowd watching nearly 300 youngsters participate in Friday’s Tokio Millennium Re Kids Duathlon on Front Street.

“I definitely saw some talent out there from all age groups,” Butterfield said. “I think the future is bright and that’s what me and Flora [Duffy] both came through and so many others.

“I saw talent and enjoyment and that’s exactly what you want because you are going to have the ones who are going to take it as far as they can, but you also need the participation. It’s like a triangle and you need the top and the base to grow to have that.”

Butterfield, who set a new national record of 2hr 26 min 29 sec in the marathon at this month’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, returned home specifically to be a part of the Kids Duathlon.

“Tokio are my sponsors for the year and they’re a big supporter of Bermuda and so they flew me in just for the kids event,” the Bermuda Olympian added. “They have another event on September 30 and so if you enjoyed [Friday night] it will be much of the same.”

Butterfield, who is also a Bermuda Day Half Marathon winner, made a surprise appearance during Saturday’s MS Amlin World Triathlon Age Group races in which he took part in the swim and run in an unofficial capacity.

“It was a last-minute thing that I could get into and support this event which is just huge,” he said. “It was amazing to be part of the event.

“To swim in the harbour with no boats in a sort of blocked-off area was amazing.

“You could look and see Front Street from the middle of the harbour while you’re swimming and then to run on Front Street with such a big crowd is amazing.”