World Transplant
Games
Durban
Monday 29 July
5km Road Running
The compact frame of Hungarian Gergo Mezei took line
honours in the 5km Road Race at the World Transplant Games in Durban today
running a time of 17.36
The 25 year old looked comfortable the entire race,
running in the lead group of three athletes he made his calculated break just
after going through the 3km mark. He powered his way to a comfortable lead
ahead of Matthew Salkeld representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Salkeld worked hard in the last 1km to finish 10seconds behind the Hungarian.
Mezei had a kidney transplant in 2005. “The first 2km
were hard, the gradual hills were tough. I ran through the first 1km in a time
of 3minutes and 15 seconds, so I am happy with my time. My strides were long
and strong on the flat which helped me break away from Matthew and Montague.”
The young athlete who claimed victory in both overall and
age category competed in the 2011 games in Sweden and 2009 in Australia. “I won
the category in both of those events so I am ecstatic with taking the overall
win this year!” said a delighted Mezei.
Second placed Salkeld from Carlise in Cumbria had a liver
transplant in 1997, “I have always wanted to come to South Africa and I am just
loving my time here. I have my Mum and Dad here along with my sister so have my
own supporters.” he said beaming.
The British running sensation is also competing in the
800m and 1,500m later this week in the track and field events. “This year I am
just competing in the athletics. My favourite is the 400m and 800m, well that
is what I choose to compete in for my club.”
Salkeld is off to a good start in Durban having received
3 Golds, 2 Bronzes and the Best Junior Award in Sweden. He competed in the Team
5km running event, the 4 x 400m relay and the squash last year. “Today’s run
was very good and very tiring. The hills at the beginning were challenging but
overall it was a great run.”
The leading lady, Orla Smyth from Belfast in Northern
Ireland representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland said the race was tough,
“It was a lovely course, but it was extremely hot. This is my second Games and
I won the title there, so I am glad that I defended my title!”
“Every time I go out and run, I go out and do my best and
if that gives me gold, then I am of course delighted with that.”
116 athletes took to the large circular race track that
began at Kings Park Pool taking them towards the ocean; then turning towards
Blue Lagoon, then back inland and then the long stretch alongside Durban
Country Club finishing alongside Kings Park Pool. All 116 athletes finished
with the youngest aged runner being Salkeld and the oldest aged runner, David
Rozelle who is 75 years.
Race Organiser, Clyde Kinloch was happy with the overall
running of the race, “The race went very well. It was a flat fast course and
the weather was perfect. The wind did pick up a bit as most of the runners were
finishing, so they had a bit of headwind slowing them down. Otherwise
everything went well!”
Results
Overall Men:
1 Gergo Mezei (Hungary) 17.36, 2 Matthew Salkeld (Great
Britain and Northern Ireland) 17.46, 3 Montague Summers (Australia) 17.54, 4
Joaquin Lacon (Spain) 18.51, 5 Daniel Matsoso (South Africa) 19.13, 6
Overall Women
1 Orla Smyth (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 22.59,
2 AndrBsnU Jung (Hungary) 23.06, 3 Zanelle Britz (South Africa) 23.51, 4 Marie
Debine (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) 23.57, 5 Ulrika Svantesson (Sweden)
24.01
ENDS
No comments:
Post a Comment