Marriage made in sporting heaven
Victory eluded them, but glamorous husband-and-wife pair still shone in Liuzhou, writes Cao Jianjie.
Hot favorites Brad and Radka Kahlefedlt failed to repeat a clean sweep of titles on their Chinese return at the Ironman 70.3 season opener in Liuzhou on Saturday – but it’s still a case of marital bliss for triathlon’s glamour couple.
The pair captured the Chinese media’s imagination when they won the men’s and women’s 70.3 race in Hefei last October.
However, they fell short of another double around the scenic Liuzhou course, set against a backdrop of lush, mountainous terrain in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
Czech Radka was overtaken by eventual winner Jeanni Seymour, of South Africa, in the final running leg with one kilometer remaining to finish second, while her Australian husband struggled and wound up 13th in the men’s race, which was won by Briton Tim Don.
“I felt flat the whole time, and it just wasn’t my day,” said two-time Olympian Brad, who still earned some consoling words from his wife, summing up the essence of the grueling sport.
“I was impressed,” said Radka. “Even when he felt really bad he just finished it, out of respect for everyone. He is the real champion because many people would just give up. He did the whole race and I am proud of him.”
The two met in 2013 and settled down in Noosaville, a suburb of Noosa, Queensland, in 2015. And so far it’s been a marriage made in sporting heaven for the pair.
“I believe the environment where you train is very important,” Brad said.
“I am training with Radka as husband and coach. It’s important to be happy when you train. The right terrain is also important.”
Hailing from New South Wales, Brad’s passion for triathlon stems from his marathon-mad family. His parents have each competed in 40 marathons, while his 55-year-old mother still races. His two brothers and three sisters are also marathoners.
“My whole family runs for marathon. Fitness is in the entire family,” Brad said.
Czech native Radka is a self-proclaimed athletic nomad, and is happiest when putting in the hard graft her sport requires.
“I really enjoy training and racing,” said the 2012 Olympian, who lists dancing, traveling and global cuisine as her favorite hobbies. She is also an exceptional crosscountry skier, competing on the Czech team until 2000.
The competitive couple is already targeting victory when they return to China later this year.
“We are looking forward to a repeat of family podium finishes next time,” said Radka.
Ironman 70.3, also known as Half Ironman, is organized by the Wanda-owned World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).
Two successful Ironman 70.3 races were held in Hefei and Xiamen in 2016, and this year’s series has added three new cities to the calendar — Liuzhou, Qujing and Chongqing.
Saturday’s race began with a swim in the Liu River, cutting through the city center as spectators watched from the elevated river banks and bridge. Athletes exited the water at beautiful B room Hill Park before cycling and running to the finish.
Thirty spots for the 2017 Ironman World Championship were up for grabs at the race, while 50 slots for this year’s Ironman 70.3 World Championship were decided.