Five youths and three adults were among the 4,000 entries in the Mrs. T's Chicago Triathlon and more than held their own against some of the world's top Ironkids and amateurs.

Adam Petty, who won the eight-year-old group at last year's event, returned to claim the boys 9-10 year-old age group, completing the 100-metre swim, three-mile bike and half-mile run in 16 minutes and 36 seconds on Saturday.

Tyler Butterfield was third and Jonathan Herring fourth among 13-14 year-old boys. Butterfield completed the 200m swim, six-mile bike and one-mile run in 25.37, Herring in 25.43.

The Ironkids event was held in reverse order of most triathlons, going run, bike and swim. Butterfield built up a big lead in the run but faded in the swim, where Herring made his gain.

Among the girls, Allison Petty, Adam's sister, was third in 30.05.

Meanwhile, Kris Hedges competed in the 13-15 year-old class, held as part of the US junior championships on Sunday. He was fourth in one hour, 17 minutes and 48 seconds, three minutes behind winner Dave Scott, recognised as probably the world's leading youth triathlete. Herring finished 10th in 1:28.

"We're very pleased with our kids,'' said Dave Morrison, who heads up the Bermuda junior programme. "This shows our training is really paying off.'' The sixth member of the Bermuda youth contingent, Matthew Herring, had to pull out after needing six stitches to close a head wound, suffered in a fall on Friday night.

Morrison, Gary Taylor and Steve Petty all competed in the men's 40-44 division of the amateur sprint. Results weren't available last night.

ADAM PETTY -- first in his age group.