Germany’s MAURICE CLAVEL ran down Sebastian Kienle in the closing stages to win the IRONMAN African Championship last November. He recalls the greatest day of his career in a windy Port Elizabeth.

Maurice Clavel

PHOTOGRAPHS: CHRIS HITCHCOCK/IRONMAN, KEVIN SAWYER

Annah Watkinson blitzed through the marathon, recording the fastest women’s run split, to almost catch winner Ruth Astle.

better with every metre I put into my legs. That was awesome and allowed me to push harder until I was running side by side and fighting for the lead.

A quick ‘now or never’ thought crushed my head and I attacked with still 8km to go. Now it was all about pushing as hard as I could without blowing up – not easy to manage in the strong wind.

Until 800m to go, I wasn’t sure about the win – that’s why I never looked back. But when I realised that no one was close behind me, the craziest party just began to start!

All those hard training and race miles turned into success – Iwas completely over the moon. The support in such difficult times was fantastic, and the last few hundred metres were just a joy and a big celebration with the spectators on the side!

What a great and absolutely honest day of racing it was, the greatest of my career so far! The trip was quick and dirty (I flew out on Monday) but scored 100/100 points. I’ll never forget the magic moments in that magic place – thanks Gqeberha!

Sebastian Kienle

Great Britain’s Ruth Astle won the women’s race.

Kyle Buckingham finished fourth.

Kienle, Clavel and Rasmus Svenningsson on the podium.

Brad Weiss was 5th overall.

Mariella Sawyer.

Imogen Simmonds

Magda Nieuwoudt