LONG-distance legend Mo Farah, professional road racing cycling star Mark Cavendish and famed open water swimmer Chloe McCardel last night praised the arrangements for the Ironman Middle East 70.3 Championship which will be flagged of today at 6.20am at the Avenues Mall.
Farah, who is in Bahrain for the first time, expressed his delight at being part of the Legends team along with Cavendish and McCardel.
He was speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the Avenues Park in the presence of Bahrain Olympic Committee general secretary Mohammed Hassan Al Nusuf and representatives of local and foreign media.
Farah, the most successful British track athlete having won the 5,000m and 10,000m gold medals in successive Olympic Games in London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016), said that he is keen about coming up with a fine performance that will inspire the future generation, adding that it is important to enjoy the race and also entertain the spectators.
Achievements
Speaking about his career, Farah said his achievements have been a result of hard work and determination to reach the top, stressing that he also enjoyed what he did in the process.
Al Nusuf welcomed the Legends team to Bahrain, saying that their presence in the Middle East Ironman race has added more glitter to the championship, which is one of the most important international events being held in Bahrain, alongside the Formula One race.
He added that these events are a reflection of His Majesty the King’s representative for Charity World and Youth Affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s keenness to attract the biggest sporting events that enhance the status of Bahrain at the international level.
He expressed confidence that the event would be a grand success in light of great preparations carried out by the organising committees.
McCardel, a much decorated athlete whose heroics include 29 solo crossings of the English Channel including eight in one season and three in just a week, expressed her enthusiasm ahead of today’s race, saying she was looking forward to performing alongside Farah and Cavendish.
Cavendish, an accomplished athlete who is a recipient of MBE, said that he was excited to be part of the Legends team and wished all participants success.