Ulmer’s record goes after nearly 20 years

Sarah Ulmer’s national individual pursuit record set nearly 20 years ago has been broken.

Ulmer’s world record in the 3000m individual pursuit was set at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and stood as the world record for six years but has lasted 18 as the national record.

It’s finally been bettered by Auckland rider Bryony Botha who competed at last year’s Tokyo Olympics in the team pursuit.

Sarah Ulmer celebrates her gold medal and a world record in the 3000m individual pursuit in Athens.
Photo: Photosport

Botha made a rare appearance in the individual pursuit at the Waikato-Auckland champs at the weekend in Cambridge clocking 3 minutes 24 point 256 seconds – just point three of a second faster than Ulmer’s time.

The current world record stands at just under 3 minutes 17 seconds.

“I don’t think anyone realised it was a record, especially with no crowds there. It was super low-key. And no-one actually knew the exact time of Sarah’s record. It was not until I called my father and he confirmed it was a record,” said Botha.

The 24 year old said the new record is proof that training with coach Ross Machejefski was paying dividends.

“It is cool and good for the women’s endurance programme. It was bound to happen at some stage, and I am just glad I was the one to do it.”

Botha will aim to better her new record at the next month’s National Championships, before gearing up for bigger events abroad.

“If I keep doing what I am doing with Ross, then I think I can knock a couple seconds off it and aim to medal at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.”

Bryony Botha (second from right) on the podium after winning the team pursuit at the 2019 World Cup in Cambridge.
Photo: Guy Swarbrick

-RNZ