Nasser bin Hamad 8th in South Africa Ironman Championship

Port Elizabeth, Apr. 10 (BNA): HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee and Captain of Bahrain Endurance 13 Team came 8th among 1200 contenders at the Ironman African Championship held in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on Sunday. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished the race in 10.49 hours, coming out of the swimming round in 1.09.02 time and finishing the cycling and running races in 5.16.28 and 3.49 hours respectively. After crossing the finish line, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his happiness about taking part in the championship and the results of the Bahraini team, stressing that participating in South Africa would add to the team members’ experiences abroad and improve their overall performance, especially that the championship witnessed a huge turnout from international professional athletes. He added that the results achieved in Port Elizabeth reiterate the improvement of Bahraini triathlon sport, which is endlessly supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa the Prime Minister and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. Godfather of Triathlon in the Middle East The remarkable participation of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the championship has drawn the attention of local and international media at the event. The commentator of the race had continually welcomed him during the race and described him as "the Godfather of Triathlon Sports in the Middle East", emphasising on the good reputation of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the world of triathlon sports. Ben Hoffman First in Pros Category Bahrain Endurance 13 Team member Ben Hoffman snatched the first spot in the pros category after finishing the race in 08.12 hours, adding a new achievement to the team. Swallow Injured Bahrain Endurance 13 Team member Jodie Swallow was injured during the cycling round as she was affected by the strong winds created by the helicopter of the championship’s media crew. The helicopter was flying in low altitude and affected many athletes. Swallow however completed the race and was taken to a local hospital for treatment after that. Qualifiers to be Announced Today Qualifiers to the World Triathlon Championship that will be held later this year in Kuna, Hawaii, will be announced during a special ceremony today.