Search
shop

“It was a bit of a shock!” – Imogen Simmonds delighted with IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships podium

Imogen Simmonds reacts to her excellent third place at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Having finished third at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in 2019, Switzerland’s Imogen Simmonds made a long overdue return to the podium in Lahti this weekend, as the 30 year old was rewarded for a brave attempt to stay away from the chase pack on the bike.

Currently ranked PTO World #13, Simmonds showed glimpses of her old form last week with fourth at the PTO Tour Asian Open in Singapore, but surprised even herself with third in a world-class field in Finland.

Having also finished on the podium at the IRONMAN 70.3 European Championships in Tallinn earlier this month, Simmonds has had a summer to remember and shared her plans to take a short break before discussing the prospect of more races with her team.

Advertisement

“I thought let’s have some fun today!”

Having exited the water in the front pack, Simmonds was the only member of the leading group of five who chose to follow eventual race winner Taylor Knibb to the front of the race, with the pair establishing a substantial lead before the American broke away.

Challenge Kaiserwinkl-Walchsee 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade / Challenge Walchsee 2023

“It was a bit of a shock when I came out of the swim and realised I was in the front pack. I have come into this race off the back of a busy month and thought let’s have some fun today and I can say I definitely did that today.

“Taylor just had a phenomenal ride and I hung with her for a little bit, before realising I was pushing my capabilities a little and then just rode my own ride and it didn’t turn out to be too bad and I didn’t get caught on the bike.” 

With a big group of chasers including Kat Matthews, Emma Pallant-Browne and Paula Findlay chasing Simmonds down on the run, the Hong Kong born athlete held on tight to a podium spot despite relinquishing second to Matthews late in the run.

“On the run, I just held on for as long as possible and it’s been an up and down over the past few years so I was absolutely overjoyed to be at the pinnacle of the sport and finish on the podium.

“I think I was very well rested coming into this weekend, as I raced at the PTO Tour Asian Open in Singapore last weekend and knew I was on edge, so just really did whatever I felt like this week and put in a minimal amount of training so I could be ready to race. It’s awesome to be back and thanks everyone for the support.” 

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2025: Date, start times and how to watch live
Chrissie Wellington 2023 photo credit: Challenge Roth
IRONMAN legend Chrissie Wellington shortlisted in BBC vote for ‘UK Sportswoman of the 21st Century’
Alex Yee Cassandre Beaugrand gold medals supertri Boston photo credit supertri
WTCS French Riviera 2025: Date, start times and how to watch Yee and Beaugrand in races of the season so far
Georgia Taylor Brown T100 London 2025 bike
Olympic superstar GTB looking to learn from London at T100 French Riviera
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 French Riviera 2025: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/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...