University of Birmingham alumna Chrissie Wellington defended her Ironman World Champion title this weekend in Kona, Hawaii, breaking a record along the way.
The first class Geography graduate, who has never yet lost an ironman, completed the gruelling 2.4 mile ocean swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile marathon event in 9:06:23.
Despite mechanical problems with her bike, which saw her five minute lead turn into a five minute deficit, the 31 year old was still first to head out on the run. There she produced the fastest marathon time ever recorded at the event (2:57:44) and crossed the finish line almost 15 minutes ahead of second place.
Winning her first Ironman in 2007 in Korea, Wellington then became Britain’s first ever World Championship at Kona last year before going on to win Ironman Australia and the Ironman European Championships.
The 1998 graduate returned to campus this summer for the Athletic Union Annual Awards Dinner where she was awarded the prestigious Sporting Achievement Award which is presented to athletes and/or alumni who have excelled in their particular field and who have a connection with the university or the region.
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Further information:
Lucy Hood - PR, Media and Promotions Officer, University Sport Birmingham
tel: 0121 414 2262 / email: l.hood@bham.ac.uk