In an incredible display of endurance and determination, Vernon’s own Shanda Hill is making waves at the inaugural South African Deca Ultra Triathlon, held in the picturesque resort town of Gariep Dam. As one of only 12 competitors, and notably the only woman in this grueling event, Hill has captured the admiration of athletes and spectators alike.
Over the course of five intense days, Hill has already mastered the 38-kilometre swim, clocking an impressive 16 hours and 24 minutes. She has also tackled more than 1,100 km of cycling out of a daunting 1,800 km course, putting her over 100 km ahead of her nearest competitor. This level of performance is truly remarkable and showcases Hill’s unwavering spirit and athletic prowess.
Her partner, Jaccs Spence, praised her on social media, noting, “She has been swimming and cycling for a staggering 98 hours straight. Out of the 12 athletes entered in the South Africa Deca Challenge—which includes ten full Iron distances—Shanda is the only female in the world taking on this incredible task. She’s been leading the pack for the past five days and truly dominating the field.”
During her cycling phase, Hill faced an unexpected challenge when an African thunderstorm rolled through Gariep Dam. However, rather than dampening her spirits, Hill described the rain as surprisingly “warm and refreshing.” Hill contrasted her experience in South Africa with her Canadian roots, saying, “It’s nothing like Canada, where the rain chills you to the bone. Here in South Africa, the rain poured down, and just ten minutes later, the sun was shining, drying up the road!”
As if swimming and cycling weren’t enough, Hill will conclude this epic competition with a staggering 422 km run. It’s a challenge that tests the limits of human endurance and spirit, and with her impressive track record so far, Hill has shown she’s more than up to the task. As the first female competitor in a world-class event of this magnitude, she is not just chasing victory; she is breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Keep an eye on Shanda Hill as she continues to make history at the South African Deca Ultra Triathlon. As her journey unfolds, she embodies the essence of resilience and determination in the world of sports.
Tags: #SouthAfrica #Triathlon #UltraAthlete #WorldNews #SportNews
