LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU—The top title for Ironman 70.3 was both defended and claimed as defending champion Australian triathlete Timothy James Reed of the male category kept his crown, while Amelia Watkinson from New Zealand emerged the new champion for the female category.
Reed breezed through the 2017 Ironman 70.3 race course in Cebu City and finished the grueling challenge with a time of 03:54:07, while Watkinson clocked 04:29:17.
Reed defended his world title and clinched his third consecutive victory in the 2017 Ironman 70.3 male category.
The Australian triathlete said his triumph was very pleasing because his hard work has paid off and the sacrifices of his wife to support and accompany him to train in the United States made this win special.
Reed is now the proud title holder and victor of the 2016 Ironman 70.3 World Championship and the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship, vowing he will be back in the competition to defend his title.
Following Reed to the finish line was Mexican triathlete Mauricio Mendez, who finished with 03:56:46.
Before coming into the run, Mendez was sixth in the bike race, but then made his way to second place, trailing in the wake of Reed by 2:39.
The 2016 XTerra World Champion admitted that biking was not his strong suit, but he will strive to win the Ironman 70.3 triathlon next year.
Coming in third was another Australian in Ryan Fisher with a time of 04:00:20.
In the female category, Watkinson from New Zealand rose to the top as she claimed her first victory in the female category of the swim-bike-run race with a time of 04: 29:17.
Watkinson was about seven minutes ahead of her closest competitor, Aussie Jacqueline Thistleton, who had a time of 04:35:53.
Another Aussie, Kerry Morris, placed third in the female category of the race with 04:39:11.
In the Asian Elite category, Filipino Banjo Norte was dominant in the competition as he finished at 04:35:51.
Participant dies
Tragedy struck in the 2017 Ironman 70.3 triathlon as an athlete who needed medical attention during the swim portion of the race was confirmed dead.
Dr. Peter Mancao, medical director of Cebu Ironman 2017, confirmed the death of a 47-year-old athlete identified as Eric Nadal Mediavillo from Laguna during the swim course of the triathlon.
The athlete was said to have suffered a heart attack and in need of medical attention during the swim leg. He was then rushed to the Mactan Doctors Hospital to be treated but was declared dead on arrival at 8:45 a.m by Senior Inspector Rommel Cabagnot, chief of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our athletes following the IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines in Cebu. The athlete required medical attention during the swim portion of Sunday’s race and was properly transported to a nearby hospital where they were treated.
Our condolences go out to the athlete’s family and friends, whom we will continue to support,” Ironman Philippines said in an official statement released moments after the unfortunate event.
