7/29/2009 6:00:00 PM Goldman wins Dickey Nowell award
By STEVE SWOGETINSKY Sports Editor
For the fourth time in five years, Richard Goldman was the top Neshoba Countian to cross the finish line at the Heart O' Dixie Triathlon.
Each year, the first Neshoba County competitor to cross the finish line is also declared the winner of the Dickey Nowell Memorial Award. Nowell was a member of the Sertoma Club. The award is given by his family.
"It's a great feeling when you cross the finish line, a great sense of accomplishment," said Goldman, who was the 22nd overall finisher in the standings with a time of 2:10:44. "Especially when you are the first person from Neshoba County to finish. I think this is the fifth time I've won the Nowell award and it is a great honor."
The triathlon started at 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning with the .5 mile swim at Lake Tiak-O'Khata in Louisville. That's followed by the 27.5 mile bike race which progresses through the rolling red clay hills down Highway 25 to Philadelphia. Then the triathlon concludes with a seven-mile run to the Neshoba County Fairgrounds.
Goldman graduated from Mississippi State University this past spring. He is employed by the Neshoba County Co-op as a systems manager.
He said he enjoys the training that goes into getting ready for a triathlon.
"I've been running since I graduated from high school," said Goldman. "I like all parts of the triathlon but the cycling part is my favorite.
"I work out five or six days a week. I run and bike most days and swim at the indoor pool at PAC about once a week," Goldman said.
