Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1017392
maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 22 AUGUST 2018 21 ATHLETICS FOOTBALL Pace takes third place in Age Group in Copenhagen NATIONAL Triathlon Cham- pion, Hannah Pace yesterday, once again made headlines and made Malta proud, when she was the youngest Maltese female to complete an Iron- man race (3.8km swim, 180km cycle, 42km run) and break the long standing National Re- cord in the process, clocking a time of 10 hours 20 minutes and taking third place on her Age Group podium. This re- sult comes only a few weeks after having claimed Silver in the European Triathlon Union Championships in Tartu, Es- tonia in the Standard Distance (1.5km swim, 40km cycle, 10km run). Pace took part in the KMD Ironman Race in Copenhagen on Sunday, competing in a field of over 2,000 athletes. Al- though Pace has built up con- siderable years of experience in racing, this is the first time that she tackled this distance. Her result on Sunday has seen her graduate from short dis- tances to endurance racing, a transition she has successfully completed with ease. The 226km course is dotted with rolling hills on the 180km bike and the full marathon run course. The 3.8km swim was one of the best results achieved by Pace who exited second athlete out of the wa- ter in her Age Group. Pace had to contend with some stiff competition which saw her move between third and fourth place in the bike and run, making it a nail biting and nerve wracking experience till the very end to ensure a place on the podium. "I was extremely nervous go- ing into the race and am still overwhelmed with the result. I am extremely happy with my swim, which I can say was the swim of my life. I kept it con- trolled on the bike but must admit that the marathon hurt a lot. There were a few rookie mistakes, like taking off like a bat in the first part of the run, but this is part of the learning process, " enthused Pace after the race. "I am not sure I can say I enjoyed it but definitely feels great to tick it off the bucket list. It's always great watching everything you worked for fall into place and I have so many people who supported me in some way or another throughout this year, which was definitely a tough one to thank for this result'. Pace is supported by Garmin Malta, Eurosport, Starbene, Team Barry and is grateful for the assistance provided by the Maltese Olympic Committee and the Malta Triathlon Fed- eration. Hannah Pace on top form to break national Ironman distance record Beckham to receive UEFA President's Award FORMER England captain David Beckham will be pre- sented the 2018 UEFA Presi- dent's Award, in recognition of his remarkable career and humanitarian efforts, the sport's European governing body said yesterday UEFA President Aleksand- er Ceferin hailed Beckham as the "a true football icon of his generation" after se- lecting the former Manches- ter United and Real Madrid midfielder to receive the award in Monaco later this year. "The President's Award recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities," Ceferin said in a statement. "I have chosen David Beck- ham as the recipient of this year's award because he has been a global ambassador for football, promoting the game and all its values in every corner of the planet. "His tireless humanitarian efforts, which have helped the lives of many children around the world, should also be celebrated. Beckham is a true football icon of his generation." Beckham made 762 appear- ances for club and country, scoring 130 goals in a career spanning over 20 years. He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a Champions League with his boyhood club United, before claiming the Spanish La Liga title with Real. A stint at Los Angeles Gal- axy along with two short loan spells at AC Milan fol- lowed, before he finished his career with Paris St Germain in 2013. Beckham will become only the third Englishman to re- ceive the award after Bobby Robson (2002) and Bobby Charlton (2008). It is an honour for me to receive the UEFA President's Award," Beckham said. "During my career I always gave 100% and tried to up- hold the values of teamwork and fair play and I am proud to join the illustrious list of players who have previously won this award." Beckham made 115 appear- ances for England, scoring 17 goals, and featured in three World Cups.