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Young Maltese Athlete Wins Big At European Championships

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Hannah Pace took home a silver medal for the 25 to 29 year old competition at the European Championships on the 24th of July. This amazing athlete also got nominated the 4th fastest female during the competition.

Hannah still cannot believe this happened. “This year has mostly been about Ironman. The European championships have always been close to my heart and I target them every year.” Hannah told Lovin Malta.

“This year I’ve moved up a category so was expecting the competition to be even stiffer. To be honest I was extremely nervous going into the race,” she said.

“As a triathlete you have ups and downs in both training and races, but then you have a performance like this and it makes it all worth it.” Hannah said.

This is the 6th medal Hannah took home, and boy is she making us proud.

She was the first female to qualify at the Ironman 70.3 and she also currently holds the national record for the fastest time at the 70.3 distance. You go girl!

“Luckily I’ve had huge support from my family and friends, especially my boyfriend. An event like this takes its toll on everyone around you.” Hannah said.

She warmly thanked her coaches, family and friends in a recent facebook post along with her sponsors for the support they give her.

Apart from this year’s win, Hannah also won big during the 2016 Europeans in Lisbon, along with another double bronze in a sprint distance and a standard distance. In 2015 she even qualified for the 2016 Ironman World Championships were she managed to get the 3rd place in her category.

She was the first ever Maltese female to qualify in these championships, and also the first Maltese person to ever podium this event.

“My favourite race was my first ever participation in European Championships in Turkey in 2013. It was my first ever triathlon abroad and also my first ever Olympic distance triathlon.” she said.

In four weeks’ time Hannah will be competing for another Ironman Challenge in Copenhagen. This time it will be a gruelling 42 kilometre run, 180 kilometre cycling and 3.8 kilometres of swimming. Maddening.

“For me it has been more of a mental struggle rather than physical. You spend a lot of time training alone and it’s literally you and your stats. I have struggled a lot with highs and lows during the longer sessions and the biggest struggle for me has been to get through it.” Hannah said.

We’re rooting for you Hannah!

What do you think of this amazing woman? Leave us a comment below

READ NEXT: Maltese Athlete Snatches Bronze Medal At The Commonwealth Games

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