Momentum matters heading into Kona. With race day around the corner, here’s a fresh analysis of who’s rising, and who’s best positioned to deliver on race day.
Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR): Top Pick
Five appearances. Five podiums. Four silvers. One unforgettable win.
Lucy Charles-Barclay is a defining feature of this Kona era, and in 2023, she finally broke through to take her long-awaited Ironman World Championship title on the Big Island. Now, in 2025, she returns not just as the reigning champion, but with serious momentum.
After an injury-disrupted 2024, Charles-Barclay has reminded the triathlon world of her dominance, winning both the London T100 and the Spain T100 in back-to-back appearances this fall. She is peaking at the right time, and few understand the Queen K as intimately – or race it as fiercely.
With Kona finishes of 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, and 1st, Triathlon Magazine is backing Lucy as the favourite.
Laura Philipp (GER): Second Pick
When Laura Philipp smashed the Ironman world best in Hamburg with a time of 8:03:13, it was clear she had leveled up again. Her 2:38:27 marathon in that race set a new bar for full-distance running. And while Kat Matthews had held the previous record for just over a month, Philipp’s performance in Hamburg sent a message.
Her 2025 season includes wins at Ironman Hamburg and 70.3 Kraichgau, plus a decisive head-to-head victory over Matthews at the European Championship – a day that made history.
As the defending 2024 Ironman World Champion (though Charles-Barclay did not race that year), Philipp also arrives with momentum. Kona remains the final question. If she solves it, she could end the year with the sport’s most coveted title.
Kat Matthews (GBR): Third Pick
Fiercely focused and quietly consistent, Kat Matthews has had another standout season. Her 8:05:13 in Hamburg and 8:10:34 in Texas this year were two of the fastest full-distance performances in history.
But it’s not just about times. Matthews is a student of this race and has made Kona the focal point of her season. She beat Knibb head-to-head in Texas and came second only to Philipp in Hamburg. Few athletes have been more consistent.
If she can execute her signature disciplined build across the day, Matthews could cap off an already elite season with her first Kona podium – or better.
Taylor Knibb (USA): Always a Threat
Taylor Knibb is one of the sport’s most versatile and talented athletes. She is the PTO #1-ranked athlete, the reigning T100 World Champion, and the reigning 70.3 World Champion. She also finished fourth in her Kona debut in 2023, a stunning result for someone racing her first-ever Ironman.
Knibb spent 2024 focused on other goals including the Paris Olympics, but returned to the full distance at Ironman Texas this spring, where she set a new bike course record and finished second behind Matthews. However, she remains less seasoned than other Kona contenders, without a consistent track record of beating top competitors over the full distance.
Nevertheless, Knibb is a proven disruptor who could absolutely contend for the podium.
Julie Derron (SUI): Dark Horse Pick
A Kona rookie to watch is Julie Derron, the current PTO #2-ranked athlete. While relatively untested over the Ironman distance, the 29-year-old from Switzerland earned her Kona slot with a win at Ironman Vitoria-Gasteiz and brings short- and middle-course pedigree into long-course waters.
This will be her Ironman World Championship debut, but Derron could be one of the most intriguing variables on race day. She’s not a podium pick – yet – but a top five finish is absolutely within reach, and she has the potential to surprise.
Stay tuned for Triathlon Magazine’s live coverage from the Big Island during race week.
The post Race Preview: The Top Women Headed to Kona appeared first on Triathlon Magazine Canada.