Sometimes the mark of a champion is epitomised in the ability to deal with adversity, and Daniela Ryf was brutally honest in the aftermath of IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside.

The Swiss superstar finished well down a high-class field on Saturday as Taylor Knibb proved she is absolutely the real deal over middle distances with a convincing victory.

Ryf disappointed

Afterwards Daniela, writing on Instagram, admitted: “Tough day in the office. Hard to hide a bad day in such a strong field. Disappointed with my performance in all 3 disciplines. Tried my best but just had nothing in the tank today and still sore from my last training block.”

While Ryf crossed the finish line in 10th, she would later have a double whammy completed when she was disqualified for speeding, joining the likes of former F1 world champion Jenson Button in falling victim to that trap in recent years. Ryf at least was able to see the funny side.

Speeding DQ adds to misery

She explained: “Finished in place 10 and ended up being disqualified because of speeding in the downhill 🤷🏼‍♀️ Most likely the only segment on the course i was the fastest today😉😅”

Now Daniela, who had finished second behind Laura Philipp on her 2022 debut at IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai, will head for St George and the delayed 2021 IRONMAN World Championship on May 7. She was gracious as ever in defeat after Saturday in California.

“Onwards and Upwards. 5 more weeks till the Ironman Worldchamps in St.George.

“Well done to superwomen @taylorknibb, @luisabaptistad and @holly lawrencetri for superstrong performances out there🤩 70.3 is raising to another level🤯 Also in the mens field🥳💪🏼”