IT was the perfect Commonwealth Games confidence boost for Durban North traithlete, Henri Schoeman, who claimed victory at the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.
This was only the second World Triathlon Series (WTS) win for Schoeman after claiming gold in 2016 in Cozumel in Mexico.
Schoeman triumphed in testing conditions, the sweltering heat in the desert was replaced with unusual rainy weather making it extremely slippery and slick for the athletes.
The former Oakridge College learner managed to come out on top and become only the second man in WTS history to win the race after leading in all three disciplines from start to finish.
Read also: Durban North olympic medalist cleared after doping allegations
“This was a long time coming and I’m just so happy to win the event. This was one of the most competitive line-ups at a WTS event in a long time. It was a really close race in the end but I managed to hold off Mario (Mola). I also felt like I needed to make a statement after allegations were made against me. Coming across the finish line I think you could see the emotion written across my face, I wanted to win,” he said.
The win also provided the 26-year-old the perfect motivation ahead of next month’s Commonwealth Games.
“This is only my second Commonwealth Games and to be able to represent my country and is an absolute privilege. I think in this sport anything can happen on the day but my goal at the Gold Coast Games is to secure a podium finish. I’m just focusing on my training and getting myself mentally prepared,” he said.
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