Crowley crashes through to bronze
SARAH Crowley has overcome the shock and pain of a mid-race bike crash to claim Australia’s only elite medal at the infamous Hawaii Ironman at the end of a standout year for the gutsy triathlete.
Just minutes after her breakthrough performance in one of the toughest multi-endurance races in the world, Crowley has claimed she still has plenty of room to improve in her ironman racing.
“There is still some work to do but that is a good thing because it means there is more to come,’’ Crowley said.
Crowley saved the day for Australia in the elite racing in Hawaii as she came from behind to run her way on to the podium in the wake of Swiss triathlete and triple Hawaii champion Danielle Ryf and Hawaii debutant Lucy Charles from Great Britain.
“It was the hardest win I have ever had to fight for a win,’’ said Ryf, who posted a winning time of 8:50:47. “I am so happy.’’ While Australia’s men have not won an elite medal since Luke McKenzie’s silver in 2013, Crowley’s bronze follows on from Mirinda Carfrae’s silver last year and three world crowns in 2014, 2013 and 2010, bronze in 2012 and silvers in 2011 and 2009, Kate Majors bronzes in 2007, 2005 and 2004 and Michellie Jones win in 2006 and silver in 2005.
“It’s unreal,’’ Crowley said adding the Hawaii Ironman bronze medal to her world long-distance crown in a season to remember for the Australian triathlete.
Flying under the radar in the lead-up the infamous race involving a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run, Crowley’s third was an outstanding performance against a worldclass field and admirable given her crash on the bike leg when hit by a crosswind while taking a drink.
“I fell over and stacked it,’’ Crowley said.
“I had to burn a few matches to catch up.’’