Search
shop

Brits aim for victory (and records?) at IRONMAN Brasil

Tim Don and Susie Cheetham will start IRONMAN Brasil on Sunday with podium thoughts, plus the opportunity for fast times too...
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Advertisement

Could Tim Don become Great Britain’s third ‘Sub-8’ Brit this weekend?

Susie Cheetham starts with great chance of success on Sunday

With a C.V. that already includes ITU World Championship titles in triathlon, duathlon and aquathlon, plus a Bronze medal at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship (alongside a host of other wins), Tim Don is the veteran of British triathlon who is still at the sharp end of the sport. Now 39 years of age, Tim is showing no signs of doubting his competitive abilities at the highest levels.

Tim Don wins big prize money at the 2010 HyVee Elite Cup (pic Delly Carr / ITU Media)
Tim Don wins big prize money at the 2010 HyVee Elite Cup (pic Delly Carr / ITU Media)

2017 has already stared well (‘Dirtyfast‘, as he’s prefer it…), with 70.3 titles in Mexico and China, plus fourth at the very competitive IRONMAN 70.3 St. George.

This Sunday Tim races his first full distance of 2017, IRONMAN Brasil, which also carries South American Championship status (and the $150,000 prize purse / $30,000 first prize that goes with it).

Last year IRONMAN Brasil saw one of the quickest times in history from race winner Brent McMahon (CAN), who clocked 7:46:10 – a time which is still the fifth fastest iron-distance time in history (CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SUB-8 CLUB).

Second last year in 8:04:15, Tim is returning to an event with previous course knowledge and good form suggesting, perhaps, that The Don might have his eyes on a 7:XX finish himself. With Brent McMahon returning, saying “I have set records and challenged my abilities here in the past so I am keen to test myself again and see if I can raise the bar even higher”, winning the race – which will be Tim’s primary goal – might suggest that a Sub-8 will be the absolute minimum required. Once you are in that territory, the the British record might be under threat.

Whatever happens, I’m pretty sure I’ll have quite a few stats and table to update early next week.

Fastest British Men’s Iron-Distance Performances (CLICK HERE FOR FULL ANALYSIS)

  1. Joe Skipper (Roth 2016) 07:56:23
  2. Will Clarke (Texas 2017) 07:59:02
  3. Will Clarke (Copenhagen 2016) 07:59:31
  4. Paul Amey (Arizona 2011) 08:01:29
  5. Tim Don (Brasil 2016) 08:04:15

 

A British double? Susie Cheetham seeks debut IRONMAN title

While Tim should be in contention for the win in the men’s race, Susie Cheetham also has a fine opportunity to continue what has been a remarkable start to 2017 for the British Elite women over all distances. Third at IRONMAN South Africa already this year, Cheetham starts with a more than fair chance of victory in a race which, to my eyes, doesn’t have a clear favourite. Several athletes will be starting the 3.8km swim from El Divino Beach believing they have a chance of victory.

Susie Cheethan Ironman Brasil preview
Third at IRONMAN South Africa 2017

If she can claim top spot, it would be a first full distance win for the Brit, who has one second and three third places in IRONMAN events to date. With a personal best time over the distance of 9:03:32 from IRONMAN Barcelona 2014, the fast Florianopolis course could provide a great opportunity for her to join the Sub-9 Club in the process.

FULL IRONMAN BRASIL START LIST

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO lens close up
FORM Smart Swim Pro 2 Goggles review: can these high tech goggles actually help you to train smarter and swim faster?
Premium‘The difference from triathlon is so big – there’s no comparison’: Maya Kingma on life in the Women’s WorldTour peloton
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
TRIFIT VORTEX tri suit
The small but mighty tri brand you NEED to know about: Why TRI-FIT are on a mission to disrupt the triathlon apparel scene
latest News
Kristian Grue wins Norseman 2025
Norseman 2025: Grue and Skala conquer ‘Zombie Hill’ and the world’s TOUGHEST triathlon
Hayden Wilde happy T100 Singapore 2025
Hayden Wilde – is he BACK for T100 London after injury nightmare?
Sam Laidlow run Roundhay Park IRONMAN Leeds 2025
‘I’m ready for it’ – Sam Laidlow on why triathlon is hitting new heights in 2025 ahead of IRONMAN World Champs
Alistair Brownlee Olympics Triathlon London 2012 Podium Gold
Olympic icon Alistair Brownlee reveals most British thing ever when it comes to fuelling recovery
Lionel Sanders IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside 2025 celebration finish line
Lionel Sanders provides BIG update on triathlon comeback
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.

£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

£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...