The Hungarian team lit up the Aquathlon World Championships in Ibiza on Monday as Zsanett Bragmayer powered her way to the 2023 world title just two days after securing duathlon silver in Santa Eulalia.
Tucked in on compatriot Marta Kropko’s feet for most of the 1km swim, a patient run saw her move ahead early on the 5km and never look back. Slovakia’s brilliant 18-year-old talent Margareta Vrabolova took second, Celine Kaiser of Germany the bronze.
“I finally became a World Champion, i’m so happy, I really enjoyed that!” said Bragmayer. “I really didn’t want to lead the swim. I used to but now it’s ok for me not to. “I am going to the World Military Championships and then Yokohama, that’s my big goal. There are still 25 races in the season so it’s really busy but the big one is (WTCS) Yokohama.”
There was no doubting Kropko’s intent or ability as she pulled to the front at the start of the swim, but she was unable to shake clear Bragmayer nor Italian Giada Stegani even as she clocked 14m41 for the 1km out-and-back.
Home favourite Sara Perez Sala was out in sixth just five seconds behind and followed by Ireland’s Chloe Pollard and Vrablova ten seconds adrift.
It was the Portuguese youngster Cassilda Carvalho showing those around her how to be slickest in transition and she was quickly giving chase, but Bragmayer seized her moment and from early on the result started to look in no doubt as she eased clear.
Celine Kaiser was flying further back and picking her way into contention, going on to clock the fastest run time by a huge margin of 35 seconds, but there was nothing she could do as the transition neared and Bragmayer took the final right up the blue carpet to soak in her moment.
The 18-year-old Vrablova was once again showing her ability to mix it with the very best as she hung on for an outstanding Elite silver and defended her 2022 Junior title, Marta Kropko fifth over the line to become the U23 World Champion. She was joined on the podium by Stegani and Laura Holanszky (HUN), and it was another Hungarian Nora Romina Nadas with Junior silver ahead of Portugal’s Carvalho.
“That was amazing, race of my dreams, I am super happy, said a smiling Vrablova. “The swim was very good. I didn’t have a big gap on the run. I was approximately sixth but the gap was only 15 seconds so I was just pacing myself to the end. I was super excited and happy to finish second, I didn’t expect it. It was great. Thanks to everyone for supporting.”
The next major Games event featuring the aquathlon will be the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games Bali.
For the full results, click here.
