Record day out for triathlete Mel Hauschildt in ironman Western Australia

AUSTRALIAN Mel Hauschildt has attempted to wipe away the disappointment of failing to finish the Hawaii ironman triathlon by smashing a race record at home.

Ironwoman Mel Hauschildt before the Hawaii Ironman. Pic: Delly Carr.

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AUSTRALIAN Mel Hauschildt has attempted to wipe away the disappointment of failing to finish the Hawaii ironman triathlon by smashing the women’s record in a race at home,

Even with a nasty bout of cramps impeding her progress in the final run, Hauschildt still managed to slash more than two minutes off the previous best mark in Ironman Western Australia.

Mel Hauschildt suffered leg problems in the Hawaii ironman.

Hauschildt completed the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run race in 8:54:39, a little over two minutes faster than New Zealander Britta Martin’s 2014 record in the race.

Hauschildt had high hopes of a podium on debut at the infamous Hawaii ironman triathlon this year but a leg injury stymied her assault on the gruelling event.

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In Western Australia cramps almost cost her the win but she fought through the pain to take the victory ahead of German Mareen Hufe and defending champion Sarah Piampiano from the US.

Hufe took a three minute lead into the final run but was overtaken by a determined Hauschildt within the first 10km.

Mel Hauschildt has had a season to remember this year despite a Hawaii hiccup.

“I’ve never had cramps like that. It was so debilitating I didn’t think I could get through it,” Hauschildt said.

“Between the cramps I was running four minutes per kilometre, then I’d stop and run a 10 minute kilometre.

“I felt really good on the bike, I had a leg issue in Kona, but I got through that, and I was really happy to win.”

New Zealander Terrenzo Bozzone won the men’s title by slashing almost five minutes off Aussie Luke McKenzie’s record of a year ago.