Both Stannard and Jones led from the start and never looked back. By the time they completed the first 1500m of the run they had a substantial lead going in to the 200m swim section of the course. Exiting the warm Arabian Gulf waters the gap to second place had increased and once out on the remaining leg of the 1500m run course, the distance between them and the others gradually increased. Stannard completed the course in 12 minutes and 2 seconds while Jones finished in 14:03.
South Africa had a strong presence in all categories but it was their Youth age groups that gave them top spot with a total of 27 medals in all age groups. Team GB were in a close second place with 17, of which 9 were Gold, and Egypt surprised everyone by finishing in 3rd.
South African Team Manager Tony Bradford stated “We expected 23 medals, but we ended up with 4 more. This is an indication that at least 4 of our athletes are well up on their development path. Today’s results are an indication of the hard work that is being put in”
Though pleased with Britain’s second place team manager Howard Jones admitted the “South African Juniors made the difference. They won a lot of the medals earlier in the day in the junior categories and have a bright future”
The medals were handed out by UIPM President Dr h.c. Klaus Schormann, African Confederation President Mr Sameh Guemeih along with Secretary General of Dubai Sports Council Dr Ahmad Saad Al Sharif and UIPM’s Representive for the Middle East and Competition Manager Mihail Kouzev.
This event was organised by Super Sports Event Management Services, a locally based company in Dubai, supported by The Dubai Sports Council, with Main Sponsors of Mercedes Benz, Zoggs, Sea Dubai, Maggi, The Westin Mina Seyahi and Co-sponsored by Pocari Sweat, Oasis, Premiere Timing, Dessert Adventures
