US athlete youngest winner
Hoffman goes all out in run for special victory
UNITED States professional triathlete Ben Hoffman made an impressive debut in yesterday’s Standard Bank Ironman African Championship at Hobie Beach in Summerstrand by becoming the youngest athlete to win the biggest event of its kind on the African continent.
Hoffman, 32, was behind in the swimming and bike legs. but went all out in the run to cross the finish line first with a time of eight hours, 13 minutes, 20 seconds.
Australian Tim van Berkel came second in 8:14:50 and Estonia’s Marko Albert third in a time of 8:18:51. Matt Trautman was the first South African home in 8:19:24.
On crossing the line, Hoffman showed no sweat and looked as if he could do an extra lap.
The athlete, who came second in the Ironman World Championship in 2014, said this was his best event yet.
“I feel I am just getting into my best years now. I think in triathlon and in Ironman racing you typically peak in your mid to late 30s.
“I came here with the idea of getting the points to qualify for Hawaii. I knew I was in good shape.
“But I had a bit of a shocker in the swim. I was always at the back. It was rough out there. I fought all the way to get up there and in contact with the guys on the bike.
“It took me one full loop on the bike course, and after that I was able to settle in a little bit and get ready for the run,” he said.
“As soon as I stepped into the run I knew my legs were ready to go, and I pushed all day. Van Berkel was pushing me and he did not let up until the end.
“I could not let up either. I think I put up one of my best marathons yet. I am very happy with the run and I am happy to take the win.” Hoffman said Nelson Mandela Bay was very special to him.
“The course is scenic, beautiful and challenging at the same time. The moment I stepped off the plane here I knew I was going to enjoy the race even if I didn’t win, and that is definitely the case – especially now that I have won,” he said.
“You have some challenging hills out there, some wind. It got warm on the run.
“You always have something beautiful to look at and the landscape is inspiring. It gives you energy, too.
“The fans were off the charts. They kept me going throughout to the end.” “So I am excited about the future,” he said. Crossing the finish line was a very special feeling for him. “We train all the time. This is our job. You always fight for the win every time you’re on the course.
“When you finally get in, it’s very special and to share it with all these people – and my fiancée is here, too – it’s a beautiful thing and I am very happy.”
Women’s winner Kaisa Lehtonen, of Finland, crossed the finish line in a time of 9.12.30.
The emotional athlete, 35, said the prize money was a big financial boost for her.
“I have been working part-time since the being of the year. Now I can become a real professional athlete. I am really excited. I never believed that I would win this race, so I am in heaven right now,” she said.
Lehtonen said she was not too impressed with the bike route as it was too flat for her, but she enjoyed the run and the audience.
The biggest disappointment in the race was when women’s title defender Jodie Swallow, leading in the race, was forced to step out of the competition due an arm injury.
The British triathlete, 34, fell off her bike with just 60km left and broke her arm.
Still in pain, she managed to finish the two laps of 90.1km bike course in second place, but dropped out just minutes into the run.
