Search
shop

Daniela Ryf feeling healthy again ahead of 2022 debut in Dubai

Swiss superstar opens up on health problems in 2021
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Just feeling healthy again is a major step forward for Daniela Ryf as she gets ready to open up her 2022 season at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai on Saturday.

The Swiss superstar struggled in the latter part of 2021, being well beaten by Taylor Knibb in the Collins Cup and Lucy Charles-Barclay in the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.

But as she explained at Thursday’s press conference in the Middle East, there were significant reasons for those performances.

Advertisement

Daniela Ryf on 2021 issues

“Last year was not always possible for me to push really hard. I’ve had some immune system and health problems and so to actually feel healthy again is on big step in the right direction. I’ve had some solid training in the bank and so now it’s a good first time, but still early enough to change some things, a good first check to see where I’m at.

“Our body is our tool to perform and we have to look after it. I’m used to actually knowing my body a lot, and last year there were things happening where I didn’t really know what was going on.

“I suddenly had very high heart rate and couldn’t breath properly. I also had allergic reactions… it’s hard when you don’t know what’s going on. I was also scared, I had one race at the Collins Cup where I had an allergic reaction, where my body was filled with blisters so didn’t know what was going on, and so to be able to push like this, feels not right.

“A healthy body is what you want, it’s so important to look after your body and still necessary because you can’t go hard and perform well if you are not healthy.”

The four-time IRONMAN World Champion and five-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion has familiar surroundings to begin her road back to dominance – she enjoys racing in Dubai and has won here four times in the past.

Dubai a happy hunting ground

“I like racing here, it’s a great course. It’s flat, but it is definitely not easy because you have to really put the power down for a long time,” she explained.

“That’s why I’m here, it’s a great opportunity after some solid months of training. I’m done most of my training indoors on the wind-trainer and now being here and having some sun on the skin again, feels really nice. It definitely feels nice to ride outside and feel the speed. I haven’t felt speed for a while because I’ve been pushing it on the turbo.”

Ryf will come up against German star Laura Philipp on Saturday, and she is delighted that there will be strong opposition on the start line.

“I’m happy that Laura is here so that we can battle it out, and of course it’s always interesting to see where you stand against the best men as well in the world. I’m here to see what’s possible and to show a good performance I hope.”

Daniela Ryf and Laura Philipp at the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai Press Conference
Photo: IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Challenge The Championship Marjolaine Pieree
How to qualify for Challenge The Championship – and why it should be on your triathlon bucket list
Cadomotus aero triathlon cycling shoes
Can your triathlon cycling shoes make you faster? How shoe choice could speed up your triathlon finish times
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Is this the ultimate middle distance triathlon bike course? We rode the French Riviera T100 bike course and it’s EPIC
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
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!)
latest News
The PTO's CEO Sam Renouf
PTO reveal ambitions of matching Roth and Kona as French Riviera T100 triathlon course details unveiled
Sam Long St George 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘No No No’ – Sam Long says he felt ROBBED by swim cancellation at ‘69.1 Chattanooga’
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Nice Age Group Swim Start
IRONMAN to review World Championship slot allocation model after fears raised for Age Group women
Jonny Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee - Super League Triathlon London 2023
Did the Brownlee brothers nearly join pro cycling’s Team Sky after 2012 Olympic heroics?
Kristian Hogenhaug interviewed after The Championship 2025
Danish triathlon star highlights blistering bike split as key to The Championship success.
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...