Eighteen years ago today, Amanda Smith plunged herself into the water and swam her heart out, then jumped on her bike and pedalled feverishly around 91原创 City, before ditching her wheels and running around City Park to the finish line of the inaugural 91原创 City Tri-It Triathlon.

Today, she is still involved. And she is currently serving as the official race coordinator.

鈥淚 worked on up as an adult racer, and now I鈥檓 helping out as a volunteer,鈥� she told the 91原创 Advance, downplaying her role which is to direct the more than 200 athletes through their paces.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a great community event,鈥� she said. We鈥檙e so happy that so many 91原创 City participants have come out to join us today,鈥� she said, between giving a friendly helping hand to many of the youngest races scrambling to mount and unmount their bikes in the Al Anderson Memorial Pool parking lot.

鈥淲e鈥檝e seen a lot of kids from the 91原创 Olympians, and 91原创 Flippers and the local community around here. It鈥檚 great to see them enjoying today鈥檚 events,鈥� Smith said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a great day,鈥� she added amid a bit of a lull between the children and adult legs of the triathlon. 鈥淎nd it continues to be a great day.鈥�

She鈥檚 already looking forward to years 19.

Attendance traditionally sticks around 200, with about 140 kids and 60 adults, said Christine Daum, the City鈥檚 recreation supervisor.

鈥淲e can鈥檛 grow much bigger,鈥� she said, explaining that the event is limited by the capacity of the City鈥檚 outdoor pool and keeping the event to an appropriate length.

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