KRISTIAN Blummenfelt of Norway won the Middle East Ironman 70.3 Bahrain Championship yesterday with a record time of three hours and 28.04 minutes.
Bahrain Endurance 13 Team’s Holly Lawrence defended the women’s title in three hours and 59.20 minutes.
Blummenfeld’s compatriots Gustav Iden (3:29.25), and Casper Stornes (3:33.31) finished second and third respectively.
In the women’s section, Sarah Lewis (4:00.13) of Great Britain was second and Ellie Salthouse (4:06.25) of Australia third.
The event, held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, attracted over 3,000 triathletes from 84 countries, including hosts Bahrain other GCC nations.
Later last night, the Crown Prince presented trophies to the winners at a glittering award ceremony attended by Shaikh Nasser and other high-ranking officials.
Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, president of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and president of Bahrain Olympic Committee, followed the event which consisted of swimming (1.9km), cycling (90km) and running (21.1km).
Shaikh Nasser waited at the finish line and cheered each athlete who crossed it.
Later Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa awarded the winners and praised the successful organisation of the event, stating that hosting such international sports events prove Bahrain’s organisational skills.
Shaikh Nasser also praised His Majesty King Hamad for his support and the follow-up of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister.