The IRONMAN World Championship has taken a different shape this year. In previous years, both the men and women would compete together in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. But in 2023, the men’s and women’s races are now held in different locations with the 2023 men’s race taking place in Nice, France, and the women’s race in the traditional home of Kona, Hawaii.
This split is part of a four-year rotation plan, with the men moving to Kona in 2024 and the women racing in Nice. The races are also held about a month apart, as the men’s race in Nice took place last September, with French triathlete Sam Laidlow winning the race with a time of 8 hours, 6 minutes, and 22 seconds.
The women’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii will take place this Saturday, October 14th. It’s one of the most stacked fields, with several contenders battling for the title.
While it is difficult to predict the exact winners of the iconic IRONMAN race, several top female triathletes have shown strong performances in recent races, making them potential contenders for the championship. Here are some of the athletes to watch:
- Taylor Knibb (USA): Knibb recently won the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, showcasing her dominance in the sport. She is a two-time middle-distance world champion and has been a consistent front-runner in races.
- Daniela Ryf (SUI): Ryf, a four-time IRONMAN World Champion, is a dominant force in the sport. While she did not participate in the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, her experience and track record make her a potential favorite in the Kona event.
- Laura Philipp (GER): German triathlon star Laura Philipp, who won the IRONMAN 70.3 European Championship in Tallinn in 2023, is considered a disruptor in the women’s race. She currently holds the fastest Ironman time at Ironman Hamburg in 2022.
- Kat Matthews (GBR): Matthews finished second in the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, demonstrating her strong running abilities. She could be a strong competitor in the upcoming Kona event.
- Imogen Simmonds (SUI): Simmonds, who also participated in the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, finished third in the race. Her improvement from a 14th-place finish in the 2022 70.3 Worlds suggests she is a rising star in the sport.
- Emma Pallant-Browne (GBR): Pallant-Browne, a third-place finisher in the 2022 70.3 Worlds, narrowly missed the podium in the 2023 edition, coming in fourth. Her consistent performances make her a strong contender in the upcoming Kona event.
- Paula Findlay (CAN): Findlay, a former ITU World Triathlon Series champion, is known for her strong running abilities. She could be a dark horse in the Kona event, capable of challenging the top contenders.
The Kona Ironman World Championship is a highly competitive event, and predicting the winners can be as challenging as the unpredictable weather that the big island brings. Tune in for live coverage via IronmanLIVE, YouTube, or L’Equipe TV. Coverage will start at 5:00 a.m. CEST/11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT, and the race will begin at 6:25 a.m. local time in Kona, Hawaii