After stellar performances last weekend at IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside, both Emma Pallant-Browne and Paula Findlay appeared more relieved than happy to find themselves on the podium.
For EPB, her second place finish was only confirmed after an appeal of her previous disqualification, which was made after she crossed the finish line for allegedly speeding in a restricted area.
In the case of Findlay, the Canadian admitted that she had struggled to find any enjoyment during the race in California, but upon further reflection was able to find some silver linings.
“This one meant a lot”
After a whirlwind past few weeks, Pallant-Browne now heads back to her home base in South Africa, following a series of trials and tribulations Stateside.
At the Miami T100, she was forced to drop out of the race, then in the build up to Oceanside, landed herself in hospital after a crash on the bike whilst out training.
Miraculously, the Brit managed to make it to the start line in Oceanside and even after the disqualification drama, left with a strong second place finish and the fastest run split.
“This one meant a lot! I can’t thank everyone enough for their support, especially @thisisjrad and @tri_thedon for getting me to the start line. A huge well done to all the racers!”
“Podiums are hard and triathlon is harder”
Having been in the game for over a decade, Findlay was able to look past her struggles on Instagram post race and reflect positively on her performance.
“Third place in Oceanside behind these stellar ladies. Struggled a bit to find enjoyment or positivity during that race and crossed the line feeling disappointed initially.
“But, the constantly-injured me from years ago would tell myself to shut up and enjoy these moments because podiums are hard and triathlon is harder and I actually did a pretty good job today.”
With fourth and third in her first two races at Miami and Oceanside, the Edmonton native continues to perform on the biggest stage, and when things do click, will undoubtedly be a threat to the best in the world.
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
