Made of Iron

Manama : Around 1200 participants including more than 60 male and female professional triathletes with around 1,200 local and overseas participants were in the fray yesterday for the 2016 IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship. 

New Zealander Terenzo Bozzone (3 hours 41 minutes 32 seconds),and Australia’s Sarah Crowley (4 hours 10 minutes 59 seconds) are the new IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Champions after winning in cool and at times difficult windy conditions over the 113km course.

Sadly for Bahrain, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, due  to a strong gust of wind, and a few kilometres into the cycling, had to withdraw, as he and the bike suffered injury.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa participated in the age category. The First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Athletics Association finished under seven hours.

Commenting on the championship, Bozzane said,” After a week in on winning in Western Australia, it’s just great and Bahrain is a fine place for sports.”

Fellow Bahrain Elite 13 Appleton said, “Great putting Bahrain on the map and I’ll be back next year.”

The women’s winner Sarah Crawley said, “I’m happy with the win and great work by the organisers.” 

Briton Emma Pallant, said: “Weather was great, I had a couple of tough months, but loved the course which was challenging especially the wind factor.” Last tear’s runner-up Caroline Steffen  said, “Lovely for a finish, but recently had a bit off a off season though the cross winds in the cycling was tough, but still proud to be part of Bahrain Elite 13 and cheered on at the finish.”