She finally did it. After four consecutive runner-up finishes, the girl with the battle braids and a big dream from north London finally conquered the Big Island to become the third British triathlete to win the Ironman World Championship. In following in the footsteps of four-time champ Chrissie Wellington (2007-09 and 2011) and Leanda Cave (2012), it wasn’t just the result that won respect, but the manner of the victory – cannon-to-tape, a new course record, and defeating arguably the best women’s field ever assembled.
What’s more, it was all delivered by training indoors in solitude for weeks in the build-up – “a bit like being in a lab” – according to husband and co-coach Reece, for one of the most committed and motivated race preps the sport is ever likely to witness (see p15 for more on their prep).
Thirtieth-birthday celebrations were swapped for uncorking the frustration of two injury-challenged years. Up at 5am, bed at 8pm, there were blips of course – including one major scare that threatened to ruin it all – but as an emotional Lucy Charles-Barclay said to 220 immediately post-race: “I really have dedicated my whole career to trying to win this race. It’s taken five attempts and I’ve finally done it. I really can’t believe it.”
The tributes to Lucy Charles-Barclay flowed like lava; the mashed metaphors of no more the Hawaiian bridesmaid but now Kona queen echoing on repeat, but there was one message that mattered the most.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من 220 Triathlon.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من 220 Triathlon.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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