Triumphant Koll takes title
The South African Long Distance Triathlon Championships were held at the Midmar Dam, on Sunday, March 2, in KwaZulu-Natal, in conjunction with the popular Midlands Ultra Triathlon.
Benoni resident Caroline Koll made a fine return to form by claiming the elite women’s title, and Garron Mosely (also from Benoni) gained an impressive fifth place overall in the men’s race.
The championships were held over a half-iron distance, with a 1.9km swim, 90km cycle, and a 21km run.
Weather conditions would prove to be very hot, but Koll had a consistent day, maintaining a position in the top three women for the most part of the race.
The run leg proved to be the clincher for Koll, who set a dominating pace, eventually catching the leaders to claim the title ahead of Corrine Berg and Dianne McEwan.
This is Koll’s career third South African title over the long distance.
When asked what was going through her head as she neared victory, Koll said that all that she was thinking about was getting to the finish line first.
On winning the title Koll said: “After a few bad races last year, it is such a good feeling to be on top form again.
“If you keep persisting, even though some days go horribly wrong, it is exactly that, just a day, not a whole career.”
She added that her success can be attributed to the fact that she harbours an undying belief that she can always do better.
“The only thing that matters is not quitting when others think you should,” she added.
Koll will now be focusing on the Ironman South Africa, to be held in Port Elizabeth on Sunday, April 6, and the World Triathlon Championships, later in the year.
The results from the event are: women: 1 Caroline Koll 04.55:26, 2 Corinne Berg 04.56:35, 3 Dianne McEwan 04.59:38, 4 Riana Robertson 05.01:14, 5 Jenny Nel 05.08:13. Men:
1 Stuart Marais 04.07:01, 2 Gerhard de Bruin 04.23.40, 3 Jeren Seegers 04.31:32, 4 Gian-Nicola de Dominicis 04.33:00, 5 Garron Mosely 04.34:11.
