Search
shop

Zeinab Rezaie becomes first Afghan woman to complete 70.3 Worlds

Afghanistan's Zeinab Rezaie became the first woman from her country to complete the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships this Friday in St George.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

The beauty of running the age-group and elite 70.3 World Championships side-by-side is the stories and inspirations that come from the events. It also gives the professionals support throughout the course and the age group athletes a chance to race alongside their heroes.

Whilst we always hear about the winners of the elite races, it is often the stories from the age-group ranks that the average triathlon fan can relate most closely too.

A notable story from Friday’s women’s race in St George was that of Zeinab Rezaie, who is likely to go on to be an inspiration to many for her sheer determination.

Just seconds to spare

Rezaie, a 27-year-old Afghani, made history on Friday as she finished the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in 8:28:57, just one minute inside the cut off time. It was an astonishing feat on such a challenging course, especially for someone who had only completed their first 70.3 two years ago.

Afghanistan's Zeinab Rezaie became the first woman from her country to complete the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships this Friday in St George.
[Photo credit: Donald Miralle for IRONMAN]

Rezaie, who was born in Iran as a refugee, returned to her home country of Afghanistan at the age of nine. In a country that doesn’t support women or girls participating in sport, Zeinab is a shining light, as she attempts to rewrite the rules on just what Afghani women can achieve.

Upon finishing, Rezaie stated that ““I did it not for myself but for the women and girls of my country who do not have the basic rights of education, work, travel, or sport. Not only was this for the women of my country but for the minorities and all the women across the world who do not have access to their basic rights”.

Now living in the US, Rezaie is trying to trailblaze a pathway for others who grew up in similar circumstances to her with “She Can Tri”. Zeinab has so far raised over $17,000 for the charity.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Marquardt Hogenhaug Foley IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
‘World Championship level’ – Marquardt says bike bar was raised at Lake Placid
Solveig Lovseth wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 women’s results: Løvseth shows she’s the real deal and next Norwegian superstar
Matthew Marquardt wins IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 men’s results: Marquardt wins as defending champ EXPLODES on the run
Matthew Marquardt IRONMAN Cairns 2025 Finish Line
WATCH AGAIN: IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025 as Løvseth and Marquardt bag brilliant wins
Ruth Astle
Triathlon star Ruth Astle says injury hell has her on the brink of QUITTING
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

ÂŁ7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

ÂŁ47.95/year
ÂŁ95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...