NYC Triathlon

Heat, humidity and jellyfish were all factor in the 2009 NYC triathlon. But in the end it was Gregg Bennett who won on the Men's side of the race and Rebeccah Wasner on the women's side. "On the men’s side, Andy Potts emerged from the swim first with a time of 12:14, with three-time NYC Triathlon winner Greg Bennett and Andy Reed following quickly behind. After racing through the transition, the earlier rain left a slow track that demanded caution from even the slickest Pros."

Bennett won while, "Andy Potts finished less than a minute later, followed closely by Matt Reed, Yoder and Stuart Hayes to round out the men’s top five." Today, at the sound of the starting gun, Ocala's Robbie Phillips will compete alongside his father, Bob, and 3,400 other top-notch athletes at the ninth annual Nautica New York City Triathlon.

Making it to this premiere sporting event, which features competitors from all 50 states and 20 nations, is a major feat in itself for any athlete. For 18-year-old Robbie, who has autism, it has been a special journey. As a child, Robbie was severely overweight, was sick and couldn't do much of anything physically. In addition, he couldn't speak and didn't interact with others.