Search
shop

Chelsea Sodaro reveals immense pride after fighting for every step in Kona title defence

America star reflects on her Kona 2023
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

It may not have been the result she had dreamed of, but Chelsea Sodaro may never have been prouder when she crossed the finish line in Kona on Saturday.

The American star had shocked a good portion of the world last October when flying to an incredible victory in the 2022 IRONMAN World Championship.

Ultimately she was not able to successfully defend her title, but she finished sixth behind five of the sport’s other superstars in one of the deepest women’s pro fields ever assembled. Afterwards she was rightfully proud.

Advertisement

Chelsea Sodaro on Kona 2023

Writing on Instagram, she said: “Fought for every step. 🫶🏻

“One of the mantras in our house is “we can do hard things” and that was on repeat in my head yesterday.

“Not the magical day that I dreamed of, but maybe my proudest finish ever. And I felt just as much love on course yesterday as I did while running to victory last year. This community is something else. 🙏🏼”

Sodaro had spoken at the pre-race press conference of how inspiring the sport can be, and how special it was for the women to have all of the attention this year on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a message she re-iterated in her post-race debrief.

“Congrats to all of the women who competed. I loved sharing the course with you. What an honor. 💖”

Running through the field

Sodaro’s “fought for every step” message is borne out by the way her race went. She was 12th out of the water after a 54:00 swim – just under four-and-a-half minutes behind eventual winner Lucy Charles-Barclay. A 4:50:35 bike leg would leave her down in 20th position and with much to do.

Chelsea though fought back tenaciously on the final run, storming through the field to finish with a 2:53:02 marathon – the second fastest of the day with only new course record holder Anne Haug faster.

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
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
latest News
Anne Haug wins Challenge Roth 2024 [Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth]
Anne Haug on inspiration ahead of comeback, sub-eight and no intention of retiring just yet
Caroline Pohle Ironman 70.3 Zell Am See 2024
CHAOS as Lena Meissner wins amazing sprint finish to become 70.3 European Champion and is then DEMOTED
Alistair Brownlee Nathan Edmondson Oxenhope Straw Race 2025
Olympic legend Alistair Brownlee dons Trump costume and downs pints in fundraising Oxenhope Straw Race
Sam Laidlow joy Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth hero Sam Laidlow thought he was in front for HOURS before taking lead
Sam Laidlow celebrates Challenge Roth win 2025
Challenge Roth 2025 men’s results: INCREDIBLE comeback win for Sam Laidlow
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

Share to...