By Sportswriter Cao Jianjie
LIUZHOU, South China, April 1 (Xinhua) -- Triathlon glamour couple and hot favorites Brad and Radka Kahlefedlt failed to repeat a sweep of titles at 2016 Chinese event when the husband finished 13th and the wife second at China's 70.3 triathlon season-opener in Liuzhou on Saturday.
Competing in a city known as a lush, mountainous paradise in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Czech ironwoman Radka was overtaken by South African Jeanni Seymour with one kilometer to go to finish runner-up, while his Australian husband simply had a bad day and was shut out of top 10 in the men's race which was won by three-time Olympian Tim Don from Britain.
"I felt flat the whole time, and it just wasn't my day," said Brad, a two-time Olympian, who still earned admiration from his wife despite the disappointing finish.
"I was impressed," said Radka. "Even when he felt really bad he just finished it, out of respect for everyone. He is the real champion because many people would just give up. He did the whole race and I am proud of him."
Brad and Radka were hailed by Chinese media "the most glamorous couple" in the 70.3 Hefei race in last October, when Brad took top honors in the men's race with an overall time of 03:55:32, while Vodickova bested the rest of the women's field with a time of 4:13:50.
The two met in 2013 and soon fell in love. They settled down in Noosaville, a suburb in Noosa, Queensland, in 2015 and so far they're relishing the move.
"I believe the environment where you train is very important," Brad said.
"I am training with Radka as husband and coach. It's important to be happy when you train. The right terrain is also important."
Radka echoed by saying racing and marriage won't stand in each other's way.
"We have been supporting each other and training happily together," she said.
Initially from New South Wales, Brad spent 12 years at the Gold Coast and a year at Lennox Heads before moving to Noosa with Radka.
Brad was born into a marathoners' family. His parents have each competed in 40 marathons with his 55-year-old mother still racing for fun.
His five brothers and sisters all race in marathon and his two brothers had also played Australian rules football on national junior level.
"My whole family runs for marathon. Fitness is in the entire family," Brad said.
A self-claimed athletic nomad, Radka is happiest when she competes.
"I really enjoy training and racing," said the 2012 Olympian.
Radka, who has a master degree in sport science and physical education, said she also enjoys dancing, traveling and tasting new food.
She is also an exceptional cross-country skier, competing on the national team until 2000.
While at home, Brad prepares salad and do laundry while Radka cooks dinner.
The couple promise to have a better race when they return to China late this year.
"We are looking forward to a repeat of family podium finishes next time," said Radka.
