David Micallef lowers double ironman’s national record by three hours in Germany

David Micallef inscribed his name in the record books after setting a new national mark in the Double Ironman in Germany and finish an impressive fourth overall.

Micallef, who is coached by Matt Azzopardi and Kevin Zammit, was competing in his third Ironman of his career after he had already taken part in the 70.3 Ironman in Dubai two years ago and the Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz that was held in Spain last year.

Participants in the double ironman had an arduous schedule as they had to swim 7.6 kilometres, cycle for 360km and then finish off with a run of 84.4km.

Micallef completed the swim segment in a time of two hours 26 minutes and 50 seconds which left him in seventh place in an initial field of 32 athletes but with only 22 who crossed the finish line.

He then move to the bike segment where he managed to move up two places in the standings as he entered the transition in a time of six hours and 55 seconds.

Then Micallef, embarked on the most arduous of legs, the running segment which was the equivalent of completing two marathons.

The Mġarr athlete showed all his stamina and resilience to cross the finish line in a time of 23 hours 49 minutes and 13 seconds.

Micallef’s performance was quite remarkable as he destroyed the previous national record on the distance as he lowered the previous best of 26 hours and 48 minutes, which was owned by Fabio Spiteri, by almost a staggering three hours.

Poland’s Pawel Najmowicz won the race in an impressive time of 19 hours and 31 minutes and 32 seconds while his compatriot Waldemar Konczak took silver in 22:33.59.

Germany’s Leopold Weinsheimer stepped on the lower step of the podium when clocking 23 hours 4 minutes and 13 seconds.