remains positive even after the cancellation of Ironman South Africa
Picture: SUPPLIED
The 2020 Ironman SA has been cancelled, along with other major sports events, due to the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.
The event was set to take place in Port Elizabeth.
“I definitely do wish all of this was just a bad dream, but unfortunately it isn’t and we have to face reality,” local triathlete Kyle Buckingham
said.
“On a logical level, I know and fully
understand why Ironman SA has been cancelled, but I still feel really sad about it.
“I have honestly never felt this good in my training and preparations.” Buckingham has competed in 30 Ironman competitions, 40 half
Ironman competitions and has earned himself three Ironman victories and many podium finishes
since 2009.
He turned professional in 2014 after winning his age group at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, in 2013.
“In 2018, I won the Ironman African
Championships in Port Elizabeth and that has to be the highlight of my career so far.
“With Ironman South Africa being cancelled, this doesn’t mean I am hanging up the training kit
and lazing around the house.
“I will still be training, albeit now more on my own. The roads were definitely quieter this weekend, but I will make sure that I keep my fitness up and take this opportunity to get stronger,” he said.
Buckingham said he and his wife, Lauren, were all set to leave for Europe after Ironman SA to race the European and US summer races. However, that has had to all be called off because of the pandemic.
“My message to everyone out there is to try your hardest to keep a positive mindset, because this will pass – maybe like a kidney stone, but it will pass.
“Stay safe out there and be mindful of yourself and everyone else,” he said.
