2006 Ironman World Champion, Michellie Jones, will join more than 1,000 athletes at the 5th Annual Persona Oliver Half Iron to be held on June 1, 2008.

Jones, an Australian native, is the “Winningest Triathlete” in the history of the sport, with 170 career victories spanning 15 years. Her many victories include eight-time Triathlete of the Year (Triathlete Magazine), 2000 Olympic silver medalist, 2nd place Ironman World Championships 2005 and 2006 Ironman World Champion.

“I am very excited about competing in the 2008 Oliver Triathlon. It is a fantastic opportunity to compete in an event that is very challenging and beautiful. I am sure it will be of great benefit to me down the road for my preparation for the 2008 Ironman World Championships” said Jones.

“We are thrilled that Michellie will be joining us this year,” said Race Director Joe Dixon. “It will be great for our athletes and our spectators as we celebrate our fifth anniversary in Oliver. Having one of the greatest triathletes in the world come up to race with us is a real honor.”

The Persona Oliver Half Iron and takes place in the “Wine Capital of Canada” 45km south of Penticton. The course is comprised of a 2K swim in Tucelnuit Lake, a 93K bike course with two loops around Oliver past all twenty Oliver wineries. The 21K run course is through quiet residential streets and out along the Okanagan River and back to the finish at Rotary Beach.

The event has been sold out since December and will again feature Steve King as the race announcer. Athletes will be competing for 30 qualifying spots for the 2008 Subaru Ironman Canada and the race has a pro prize purse of $6,000.

Outback Events Ltd. is a Kelowna, BC based Sports Management Company owned and operated by Joe and Sarah Dixon since 2002. Outback Events also produce the Cultus Lake Triathlon, “Wine Capital of Canada” Sprint Triathlon and the Persona Desert Half Iron in Osoyoos. On top of these events Joe is also the race director at Subaru Ironman Canada.

For more information please log on to www.outbackevents.ca