Bahrain competes in Carins Ironman Challenge

Canberra, June 13 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee leads Bahrain Endurance Team today in Carins Ironman Challenge in Australia where more than 3800 international triathletes compete. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will take part in the full-distance triathlon which includes a swimming challenge for 3.8 KM, cycling race for 190 Km and a 42.5 Km run. Team members Eric Watson and David Taylor race in the half-distance challenge which consists of a swimming race for 1.9 Km, cycling race for 90 km and a 21 km run. The race will also see the participation of Bahrain Endurance 13 "Elite" Team members such as James Cunnama and Catherine Steven. In the general assembly of the race, the team was briefed about the different stages of the race, which will start at the city’s coastline. The contenders were warned of crocodiles and sharks in the swimming course. Therefore, the organising committee limited the swimming area to avoid any accidents or injuries. All contenders will start the swimming challenge at the same time. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa met the team members and highlighted that their participation comes to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain in international sports events and maintain the previous achievements of the team. He added that the training sessions conducted by the team recently will sure help them attain good results in the race, as they were familiarised with the high temperatures and the course of the race. Despite the rainy weather, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led the team in a final running practice yesterday to ensure the team’s readiness for the race. The international challenge was widely promoted by Australian media, which was present at all of the accompanying activities of the race. In an interview with FM Hot, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa spoke about the race and the importance of Bahrain Endurance Team participation in it, at the same time he affirmed that the team will attain advanced positions in the race. Carins Channel 7 also did a report on the Bahraini team and covered their preparations for the race. This is the third international full-course triathlon challenge for HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the team. The first was in Florida, USA and the second was in South Africa. Led by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the team includes Shaikh Saqr bin Salman Al Khalifa, Emirati triathlete Ahmed Al Haj, Abdulla Al Shamlan, Hamza, Salem Al dossary, Nawaf Al Dhaen, Ali Janahi, Dave Taylor, Eric Watson, Hamad Al Muraisi, Mohammed Isa Al Ghais, Fabian and Michael Calahora.