On October 11th, the Ironman World Championship once again delivered a race that captivated the world of triathlon. From the swim start in Kailua Bay, to the long stretch to Hawi and back, to the breathtaking moment when Solveig Lovseth raised the finishing banner in triumph, it was a day of awe and achievement.
Records were broken – including Kat Matthews’ remarkable 2:47:23 marathon – and history was made as Natalie Grabow, at 80 years old, became the oldest female athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship, crossing the line in 16:45:26.
The event was a full-day celebration of athleticism, passion, perseverance, and resilience. While the spotlight often shines on the professionals, equal tribute is due to the age-group athletes who added layers of magic throughout the day, each one bringing powerful reasons and deeply personal stories to the start line. No one arrives at a World Championship without a purpose close to their heart, and it’s that spirit that makes the day – and the finish line – unforgettable.
It was mid-day while resting my feet in the hotel lobby when a volunteer sitting across the way beamed a bright smile and told me his shift was about to begin. He leaned forward, eager to share that he was responsible for “catching the athletes.” With a long shift ahead of him, he would be there until the magic hour, when the final finishers crossed between 11pm and midnight.
Before I could respond, his words captured the essence of Ironman itself: “I have the best job, welcoming the finishers.” It was then I realized that he had perfectly summarized what makes this race so extraordinary – the heartbeat of Ironman is seeing athletes achieve their possible.
Standing there in the media box at the finish line, urging the camera to capture not only the image within the lens but the emotion of the athlete, I watched as the stream of finishers never stopped. I didn’t know every story, but I knew every athlete had one.
May we take a moment to thank the race organizers and volunteers, along with the community of Kona. To the spectators along this iconic course, from Kailua Bay to the chalk-riddled pavement of Ali’i Drive – you never tired of cheering the athletes on. To the people of Kona: thank you for your warmth, your kindness, and your spirit.
You opened your island and your hearts to the world of triathlon once again and, in doing so, reminded us why this place remains the soul of our sport.
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