Danica Bonello Spiteri made history in Maltese triathlon last Sunday after winning the Nottingham Outlaw Ironman Triathlon.

She produced an emphatic victory, claiming a new personal best and a new Maltese record of 11:57:18 in the 226km triathlon distance.

Danica has so far honoured her sportswoman of the year title with a series of positive results in the UK triathlon scene. However ,last Sunday she showed true determination and ability to nail this outstanding result.

Danica opened her winning race with a 3.8km swim in 1hour 4minutes, coming out of the regatta lake at Holme Pierrepont National Water Sports centre in second position. A quick swim to bike transition put her out on the 180km cycle course in the Nottinghamshire countryside clocking 6hrs:21min:38 and taking the lead of the race in the process.

Into the final leg a 42.2km run Danica consolidated her lead as her direct rival could not keep up with her running pace.

Danica kept her pace throughout the whole marathon run clocking 4hrs:23min.

As she approached the finish line there was no mistake when she heard her name being called as winner of her age group category as the finishing ribbon was lowered in front of her for her to break before crossing the line.

“In a massive event like this you cannot keep track of what position you are in,” Danica said, “I put in a good effort in the swim so I knew I had a good time. The bike was hard as there always seemed to be a headwind no matter what direction I has heading to.

“The final 30km were really excruciating. I remember overtaking a female but there was so much going on, you just give everything till the end. I still had reserves in the run and I made it a point not to take walking breaks and only stop for 15 seconds at feeding stations to ingest energy gels and drinks.

“Well after almost 12 hours of continued effort there wasn’t much left in me but in the final meters when I heard my name being called as the winner of my race, my energy levels were revived, but only until I grasped the finishing ribbon in my hands and raised it over my head!

“I was also thrilled to have improved my previous Ironman race time by 34 minutes, and break the 12-hour mark, despite a harder bike course.”