Australia’s prominent female long-course triathletes are primed to face the world’s best at the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawai’i, this weekend. An esteemed assembly of professional triathletes from across the globe has gathered on the island for this significant event. This year marks a historical milestone, being the first time professional and age-group women are racing separately from the men, who competed last month in Nice, France.

The Australian contingent embodies a mix of seasoned athletes and newcomers, all vying to leave their mark on this pinnacle event in the triathlon world. The course entails a gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride, and a 42.2km run to determine the new World Champion. Among them is Brisbane’s Sarah Crowley, a seasoned triathlete with notable podium finishes in previous IRONMAN World Championships.

Crowley’s journey to this year’s World Championship has been challenging due to recent bike crashes, causing slower-than-expected recovery. Chloe Lane, making her professional World Championship debut, brings valuable past experiences from racing in Kona as an age-group athlete. Canberra’s Penny Slater, gearing up for her second appearance, looks forward to overcoming the challenges faced during her debut last year. Radka Kahlefeldt, racing under the Czech Republic flag but residing in Australia, is eager to be part of this special moment in sports.

Former AFLW player Kate Gillespie-Jones and British-born Sarah Thomas, now based in Cairns, will make their World Championship debuts, showcasing their determination and prowess. Sydney’s Laura Brown, also making her professional debut, adds to the vibrant representation of Australian talent at the prestigious IRONMAN World Championship. The race promises intense competition and a test of mental and physical strength under challenging conditions.

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Photo Courtesy Triathlon Australia

Courtesy Triathlon Australia