SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday came close to creating a personal record in the Middle East Ironman 70.3 Championship.
The biggest sporting event in the region was a huge success with Holly Lawrence, a member of the Bahrain Endurance 13 team, winning the women’s title in 3:52:35 hours while British athlete Philip Graves the claimed the men’s crown in 3:42:20.
Shaikh Nasser, Representative of His Majesty for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor and chairman of Supreme Council of Youth and Sports, expressed his utmost thanks and appreciation to His Majesty for honouring the Ironman Middle East 70.3 Championship with his presence ‘which confirms his support and backing to sports activities in the Kingdom’.
Shaikh Nasser pointed out that His Majesty’s attendance and cheering the participants at the finish line as well as crowning the winners represent the biggest support to sporting activities in the Kingdom.
“It’s a great honour for us to receive the medal from His Majesty at the finish line. It’s a source of motivation for every sportsperson to give off their best,” said Shaikh Nasser.
Shaikh Nasser finished the three stages of the event - 1.9km swim, 90km cycling and 21.1km running - in 04.06.51 hours, just two minutes off his personal best mark.
“I spent much energy in the swimming leg and this impacted my performance in the cycling event. I came close to breaking the international time record which I set in Bahrain.
“But I promise you I will break this record soon like I lived up to my promise to win the World Championship in Kona,” added Shaikh Nasser.
“I wanted to take part in the event to shed further light on it from the technical level and confirm Bahrain’s support to it. The event was a huge success and the competition was at its highest level among all the triathletes who doubled their efforts to win it.”
Shaikh Nasser praised the organisation level of the event, hailing the Organising Committee members for working tirelessly to make it a tremendous success.
Shaikh Nasser completed the swimming leg in 29.39 minutes, the cycling event in 2.00.20 hours and the running stage in 1.30.43 hours.
Meanwhile, Bahraini triathlete Mohammed Isa Al Ghais finished first at the GCC level, clocking 3:56:44 hours. He finished the swimming leg in 29:39 minutes, the cycling competition in 2:32:33 hours and the running race in 1:30:43 hours.
“I am happy with this achievement, thanks to the support of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. His backing encouraged me to give my all,” said Al Ghais.