Local bi and triathle star crowned world champion
Witfield biathle and triathle superstar Hans Sliep was crowned world champion after winning both the multiple sport events in his Masters 70+ category at the World Championships in Viverio, Spain.
The World Champs were held between September 20 and 24.
Sliep is also a 38-time South African biathlon champion; he’s won the event 38 times consecutively. Biathlon includes an 800m track run and a 100m swim.
His latest achievement in Spain is an addition to his impressive international record. He’s a senior Olympic champion in the 800m and 1 500m track events.
The biathle event is a derivative of the modern pentathlon where competitors race in a continuous run-swim-run event over various distances which are determined by age groups.
Triathle is also a derivative of the modern pentathlon that involves a continuous shoot-run-swim event. Distances vary according to the age of the participant. In the shooting leg of the race, athletes shoot at electronic targets with laser pistols.
“The biathle went well,” said the softly-spoken runner.
“The run was quite nice; the swim was terribly cold at 14 degrees, which was quite shocking.
“The triathle started off with shooting which went quite well. Some of the European athletes, especially the Germans and the Egyptians, are experts when it comes to shooting. We were more or less equal on the swim; running is where I would open the gap to give myself an advantage.
“I won the biathle comfortably because of the two rounds of running. Running is my specialty.”
In the biathle, Sliep competed in a 400m run, a 100m swim and another 400m run.
The more challenging triathle included four consecutive rounds of shooting, a 400m swim and a 400m run.
He also lauded the host nation before describing the experience.
“Spain did very well for hosting this kind of event for the first time.
“The opening ceremony was quite amazing; we got the opportunity to march through historical parts of Viverio. We were also fortunate that the weather played its part.
“The team was very supportive. We met new friends and got contacts from international athletes. You always learn something from a completion like this. It’s always great to make new friends.
“My biggest supporter was my wife, Chelma who really supported me a lot. I’d like to thank her.
“The next World Championships will be held in Egypt next year, and if everything goes well, I’d love to defend my titles.”
South Africa had the most athletes at the tournament. – @SabeloBoksburg
