THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Former State-level swimmer Nisha Madgavkar, aged 37 and a mother of two, did Goa proud by becoming the first Goan woman to complete the half Ironman in Baharain on Saturday.
The half Ironman competition comprised a gruelling triathlon -- 1.9 km swim, 90 kms of cycling and 21 kms run. Nisha, who has taken a liking to triathlons, completed the entire course in 6 hours and 11 minutes, completing the swim course in 31 minutes, the cycling part in 3 hours 14 minutes and the run in 2 hours 15 minutes.
Nisha started off very well in her pet event of swimming to end second in the swim. However, she fell back in cycling, which offered resistance in the form of strong chilly head winds, but managed to recover in the run to finish in a creditable 14th among 70 participants.
The spotlight event began off the waters of the iconic H-shaped building of the Four Seasons Hotel. This spectacularly designed swim, bike, and run course had more than 350 participants from all over the world, with some of the top triatheletes.
Nisha, who is experienced in open water swims, said it was a tough swim as the sea was choppy which made swimming and sighting very difficult. Speaking exclusively to 'The Goan Everyday' from Bahrain, she said, "After the swim the competitors have to change their gear quickly and get on their cycles to ride 90 kms. Although there wasn't much elevation, the head winds and strong gusts of cold cross winds made it very difficult to gain speed." As the cyclists rode out of the city there was sand flying everywhere making it even more difficult to control their bikes, she said and added, "I am so delighted to finish 14th."
This is an extremely creditable achievement for Nisha, considering that she started training for triathlon barely an year ago. Well-known for her swimming prowess in Goa, Nisha also represented
India at the Asia Pacific Championships.
