Published January 20, 2012 15:13
The weather is not the only thing that is heating up in Buffalo City. With athletes descending on the city from all corners of the globe representing 36 different nationalities. The Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 South Africa kicked off the weekend’s activities today with the PRO Press Conference held at the Kennaway Hotel.
Among those present at the press conference were Belgian, Marino Vanhoenacker, Ronnie Schildknecht, Balazs Csoke, South Africa's Kent and Claire Horner along with Jodie Swallow, Lucie Zelenkova, Tine Deckers and Natasha Gorrie. The conference was also attended by World Endurance SA MD, Keith Bowler, Deputy Executive Mayor of Buffalo City, Cllr. Mzwandile Msoke and Spec-Savers CEO, Bryan Dowley.
The conference served as an introduction of the PRO athletes to the media. With the event being one of the largest of its kind in the world, there was a lot to speak about. Hosted by the vibrant Paul Kaye, the athletes were welcomed to the city by deputy executive mayor of Buffalo City, Councillor Mzwandile Msoki who said, “the city will be cheering them on as they strive towards becoming the new Spec-Savers Ironman 70.3 SA champion.”
The athletes seemed confident yet weary of the rough white seas and blistering heat. Pro athlete and Ironman world record holder, Marino Vanhoenacker said, “This will be an honest race and will serve as a new beginning for me this year.” South African hopeful Kent Horner had this to say: “This event is what we want to see. It is bringing in international athletes to our country. We are surrounding ourselves with very good competitors.” Defending women’s champion, Jodie Swallow stated, “Despite my difficult season last year, I am excited to be able to race and would like to set a new start.”
The event boasts a record number of 3149 participants. The athlete slots, which had been filled two months prior to the Ironman 70.3 SA weekend, comprises of 1376 first timers. But the battle will be intense amongst the male dominated field, as none of the pro male athletes present have previously won this event.
Sunday will be a day of stiff competition as all of the pro athletes feel prepared and confident for the race.
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