BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- An intense training program paid off for New Zealand's Dylan McCullough when he took gold in the boys' triathlon here on Monday.

The 17-year-old finished the course in 53 minutes and 27 seconds, 12 seconds ahead of second-placed Alexandre Montez of Portugal. Italy's Alessio Crociani claimed bronze, 18 seconds off the pace.

"I trained very hard. I finished school and was able to concentrate on the competition and complete my training well," said McCullough, who clocked 9 minutes and 29 seconds in the swim, 26 minutes and 52 seconds in the bike ride and 16 minutes and 10 seconds in the run.

He said that he gave himself little chance of winning before the race.

"It's a big shock. When I started, I didn't think I was going to finish in first place," McCullough said. "I thought I was going to do well, but not finish first." Enditem