The 2000 Florida Firefighters State Games formerly referred to as the Firefighter Olympics, were hosted this year by Boca Raton Fire Rescue.   East Lake Fire & Rescue’s own Chuck Coit participated in this years Triathlon competition which consisted of a ¼ mile ocean swim, an 11 mile bike and a 3.2 mile run. Out of the 40 athletes that competed, Coit finished 7^th overall and second in the 30 to 40 year old age group with a time of 1:07:04.

When asked about the race, Coit replied “All of the races I have done in the past have been in the gulf or in a lake, so the swim in the Atlantic Ocean was rough. It was a tough swim, but I came out of the water 4^th. The bike leg was a 5.5 mile loop that we did twice. It was windy but it was a beautiful ride along the ocean on A1A. Two athletes passed me on the bike so I thought I was in great shape and never looked back, but to my surprise a guy from Coral Gables F.D. blew by me on the run and that was a bit disheartening to me. Triathlon is a sport that demands as much mental toughness as it does physical toughness so it was difficult to see anyone go by me as strongly as he did.  I thought I was out of the medal race, so it was a surprise to me to win the silver medal”.

Credit Boca Raton Fire Rescue for putting on a great race. “Triathlon is not an easy sport to organize because of the long distances involved and making athlete safety priority one, they did a great job in my opinion” said Coit.  

    “The whole experience was a positive one from the hospitality suite parties at the Mariott to the impromptu awards ceremonies, I hope more of our people will participate in next year’s Games in Tampa”. There are a myriad of events to compete in so check with your department coordinator and good luck.