Mission accomplished in Spanish dream
From humble Kensington to shores of Spain in Multisport dream come true.
Thirty-four countries lined up for seven days of hard-hitting action at the 2019 Pontevedra ITU Multisport World Championships held in Spain from April 27 to May 4.
Four thousand of the world’s best Multisport athletes comprising of a field of elite to age group standard category athletes descended on the northwestern Spanish town to take on a series of grueling race events, including a duathlon sprint and long distance triathlon.
South Africa finished with two medals for the tournament, while Kensington resident and athlete in the duathlon category Ismail Ayob enjoyed a memorable outing after competing at his maiden event. Ayob contested a four-lap 10km run, one-lap 37.7km cycle and two-lap 5km run across a field of about 50 age group standard athletes at the start of race day one.
Undeterred at placing outside of the top 10, Ayob said the experience was one that he could not have imagined.
“If anyone asked me how it felt to represent South Africa at these championships, I’d struggle to find the right adjectives to explain just how wonderful the experience was,” said Ayob.
“Lining up at the start with some of the best duathletes in the world, relegated every other sport event I have done into insignificants.
“As far as the race itself, I went out looking to enjoy it and to have fun.”
Ayob praised the local support which lined the streets everyday for a glimpse at the sporting fest that had gripped the small town.
He thanked his family for their support, adding that he is not only chuffed, but braced for the next in a series of global challenges that await him.
“The standout element was definitely the boisterous support throughout the event. It was the kind from which you would get goosebumps as you run cycle.
“To my wife, kids and friends – thank you for the support.
“I am privileged and honoured to have been chosen to represent South Africa at the next of three world championships. I will aim for another two to cap it off when I compete at the South Africa National Championships in June this year,” said Ayob.
