Nerves of steel win the day at Ironman

Britain’s Tim Don and South Africa’s Jeanni Seymour took top honors at the grueling Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Saturday.

Three-time Olympian Don completed the men’s race, which consists of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km cross-country run, in 3 hr 37 min 44 sec, a new record for a 70.3 race on Chinese soil.

Don took second place when the series visited Xiamen last year.

Seymour, who won in Xiamen, topped the podium again in 4:08:08.

“This is my second victory in China and it is just as incredible as the first time in Xiamen. I love to race in China and experience the cultural diversity,” said Seymour.

Li Pengcheng ranked first in the 25-29 age-group category for China’s best ever result in the race. The 26-year-old also became the youngest Chinese competitor to qualify for the upcoming Kona Ironman championship in Hawaii.

“I could have finished the cycling much faster if not for a flat tyre,” he said.

A total of 1,129 triathletes from around the world competed on Saturday.

And Chinese veteran Li Jianlin, who has been addicted to triathlon for over 26 years, believes the sport has a bright future in China.

“Different from other sports, Ironman provides a much easier way to sign up,” said 52-year-old Li.

“Professionals or amateurs, people of all ages can choose what kind of race to take part in. That’s why I believe Ironman will grow into one of the most popular events in China.”

Li admitted a registration fee of over 2,000 yuan could put some people off, but said the personal rewards make it worth the money.

“I think the charm of triathlon is to explore the possibility and potential inside yourself,” he added. “To complete the race and become a real Ironman is one of the proudest things you can brag about for the rest of your life.”