‘I battle with myself’: Vlad Ixel sets Action Sprint record on his journey of self-discovery
Hong Kong-based Australian takes gold but insists he is focusing on enjoying races, and not external competition or records
Vlad Ixel was a kilometre from the end of the Bonaqua C3fit Action SPRINT when he realised he might be on pace for the record.
“Sometimes when everything is going well and you feel good, you know the race is going to plan,” he said. “I looked at my watch and knew the record was on the line.”
Ixel took two minutes off the standing record and completed the 12 kilometre trail race around Sai Kung in 56 minutes and 49 seconds.
The Hong Kong-based Australian said that records are an added bonus and it would be great to set the fastest time at every race, but ultimately his focus is on enjoyment.
“Records mattered more to me a couple of years ago but now I am trying to focus on myself,” he said.
Ixel has spent that last two seasons trying to change his emphasis to ensure he continues to enjoy running.