Cebu Ironman: Amelia Watkinson redeems self after subpar stint last year

Photo By Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Amelia Watkinson didn’t deny that her below par showing last year haunted her going to the 2017 Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines.

After finishing sixth in a tough field last year, the Kiwi triathlete bid her time to atone for her poor performance as she sought to have a better outing this time out.

“Last year was a bit of an A-race. It wasn’t really my day. I struggled little bit, a little bit sick, and nervous,” she reflected.

Fortunately for Watkinson, her third time in the country was indeed a charm as she made up for that forgettable performance and more.

The 26-year-old came out hot off the gates as she established an early lead against her fellow female pros in the swim course before further extending the gap in the bike and run tracks to win at Shangri-La Mactan here.

Topping the list in her category, it’s just the comeuppance Watkinson was looking for as she finally won her first race this year.

“You always take something from the bad races, so it’s not a hindrance to come back and try to be better than last year,” she said.

It was quite an impressive showing for Watkinson, who clocked in almost six full minutes ahead of her closest competitor Jacqueline Thistleton.

“You always strive for the podium, definitely. I’ve had a bit of a slow start to the year so I wasn’t quite sure if my fitness can hold it up,” she said. “But as I’ve said, I was pretty upset about my sixth place finish and I try to learn from it and this year, I’m always motivated to win. Winning is pretty special because not everybody gets to win.”