It was near perfect conditions on course at Port Macquarie for this years 70.3 and Ironman events with 6 MEC athletes taking to the start line.
Kathy Delos Santos was in the final countdown to her first 70.3 in November last year. In one of her final rides she came down and broke her arm leaving her in limbo after spending 2017 getting ready for the event. Recover she did and Kathy made the trek to Port Mac, this time in one piece. Training had to be modified particularly around the swim but with no complaining Kathy got to work and go the job done. On Sunday she crossed the finish line and finally got to celebrate after all the work she has put in. Well done Kathy!
Marie Backstrom and Tim Martelli used the 70.3 as a springboard to start their seasons with ironman races later in the year. A form finder of sorts both were happy to get it done and now move onto the next phase of their training.
Naomi Wood came into Port Mac ready to go in her first full in over 12 months. She put together a strong race knocking off 30mins from the last time she raced Port and finished 5th in her Age Group. The Kona spot alluded her this time around however with plenty of take aways from the race she is sure to continue to step up.
Alistair Thompson had a good but not great day as can happen over 226km of racing. Al now refocuses on Ironman Cairns in the coming weeks where he will put his lessons together from this race.
David Lloyd always looks for a way to get the most out of himself. His 3rd ironman on the weekend and again managed to lower his pb on what could be argued as a harder course (Cairns being where he set his previous mark). David had to get creative with his training in the lead in to Port Mac due to spending lengthy times overseas but he has shown that again, where there is a will there is a way.
Down in Melbourne Stacey De Bono lined up for the Wings for Life run along the Monash. Stacey has been working away quietly towards her over arching goal and Sunday night was a sign that the work is paying off making it to the 24km mark before getting caught by the car. Exciting times for Stacey as she has put her head down and done some great work on building her strength and fitness. Watch this space with more to come.
Finally the World Championship Teams were announced for the Gold Coast ITU Sprint and Olympic Distance events. MEC would like to congratulate Samantha Janssen (Sprint) and Sarah Hardy (Standard) for being selected for the team to represent Australia in September.