Marriage made in sporting heaven

Victory eluded them, but glamorous husband-and-wife pair still shone in Liuzhou, writes Cao Jianjie.

Hot favorites Brad and Radka Kahlefedlt failed to repeat a clean sweep of titles on their Chinese return at the Ironman 70.3 season opener in Liuzhou on Saturday - but it's still a case of marital bliss for triathlon's glamour couple.

The pair captured the Chinese media's imagination when they won the men's and women's 70.3 race in Hefei last October.

However, they fell short of another double around the scenic Liuzhou course, set against a backdrop of lush, mountainous terrain in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Czech Radka was overtaken by eventual winner Jeanni Seymour, of South Africa, in the final running leg with one kilometer remaining to finish second, while her Australian husband struggled and wound up 13th in the men's race, which was won by Briton Tim Don.

"I felt flat the whole time, and it just wasn't my day," said two-time Olympian Brad, who still earned some consoling words from his wife, summing up the essence of the grueling sport.

"I was impressed," said Radka. "Even when he felt really bad he just finished it, out of respect for everyone. He is the real champion because many people would just give up. He did the whole race and I am proud of him."

The two met in 2013 and settled down in Noosaville, a suburb of Noosa, Queensland, in 2015. And so far it's been a marriage made in sporting heaven for the pair.

"I believe the environment where you train is very important," Brad said.

"I am training with Radka as husband and coach. It's important to be happy when you train. The right terrain is also important."

Hailing from New South Wales, Brad's passion for triathlon stems from his marathon-mad family. His parents have each competed in 40 marathons, while his 55-year-old mother still races. His two brothers and three sisters are also marathoners.

"My whole family runs for marathon. Fitness is in the entire family," Brad said.

Czech native Radka is a self-proclaimed athletic nomad, and is happiest when putting in the hard graft her sport requires.

"I really enjoy training and racing," said the 2012 Olympian, who lists dancing, traveling and global cuisine as her favorite hobbies. She is also an exceptional cross-country skier, competing on the Czech team until 2000.

The competitive couple is already targeting victory when they return to China later this year.

"We are looking forward to a repeat of family podium finishes next time," said Radka.

Ironman 70.3, also known as Half Ironman, is organized by the Wanda-owned World Triathlon Corporation (WTC).

Two successful Ironman 70.3 races were held in Hefei and Xiamen in 2016, and this year's series has added three new cities to the calendar - Liuzhou, Qujing and Chongqing.

Saturday's race began with a swim in the Liu River, cutting through the city center as spectators watched from the elevated river banks and bridge. Athletes exited the water at beautiful Broom Hill Park before cycling and running to the finish.

Thirty spots for the 2017 Ironman World Championship were up for grabs at the race, while 50 slots for this year's Ironman 70.3 World Championship were decided.

The writer is a senior sports writer at Xinhua News Agency

Nerves of steel win the day at Ironman

Britain's Tim Don and South Africa's Jeanni Seymour took top honors at the grueling Ironman 70.3 triathlon race in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Saturday.

Three-time Olympian Don completed the men's race, which consists of a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km cross-country run, in 3 hr 37 min 44 sec, a new record for a 70.3 race on Chinese soil.

Don took second place when the series visited Xiamen last year.

Seymour, who won in Xiamen, topped the podium again in 4:08:08.

"This is my second victory in China and it is just as incredible as the first time in Xiamen. I love to race in China and experience the cultural diversity," said Seymour.

Li Pengcheng ranked first in the 25-29 age-group category for China's best ever result in the race. The 26-year-old also became the youngest Chinese competitor to qualify for the upcoming Kona Ironman championship in Hawaii.

"I could have finished the cycling much faster if not for a flat tyre," he said.

A total of 1,129 triathletes from around the world competed on Saturday.

And Chinese veteran Li Jianlin, who has been addicted to triathlon for over 26 years, believes the sport has a bright future in China.

"Different from other sports, Ironman provides a much easier way to sign up," said 52-year-old Li.

"Professionals or amateurs, people of all ages can choose what kind of race to take part in. That's why I believe Ironman will grow into one of the most popular events in China."

Li admitted a registration fee of over 2,000 yuan could put some people off, but said the personal rewards make it worth the money.

"I think the charm of triathlon is to explore the possibility and potential inside yourself," he added. "To complete the race and become a real Ironman is one of the proudest things you can brag about for the rest of your life."

Zhang Li

Brad and Radka Kahlefedlt don traditional ethnic costumes at the Ironman 70.3 event in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on the weekend. The married pair were favorites for the event after capturing the imagination last year by winning the men's and women's races at the series' Hefei round. However, they could not repeat the feat in scenic Liuzhou. Provided To China Daily