Search
shop

Proud Kienle rolls back the years as he bows out of Kona in style

'The sport has developed so quickly in the last two and half years,' said a proud Sebastian Kienle as he bowed out at Kona
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Former champion Sebastian Kienle hailed the new generation after racing with distinction again in his final IRONMAN World Championship race in Kona.

The German, winner in 2014 in a race which he said “defined” his life, rolled back the years as he took sixth place on the Big Island on Saturday.

Only four Kona rookies, who all broke the previous course record – Gustav Iden, Sam Laidlow, Kristian Blummenfelt and Max Neumann – plus Brit Joe Skipper in fifth, finished ahead of him.

And an understandably emotional Kienle, one of the most popular figures the sport has ever seen, said: “I feel absolutely awesome. When I made the announcement that this was going to be my last race in Kona, I wanted to try to win another title and at that time it seemed possible.

“I thought if everything goes right, there is still a chance.

“[But] the sport has just developed so quickly in the last two and half years, in this little more than a thousand days since we’ve been here the last time.”

Advertisement

‘A good way to retire’

sebastian-kienle-kona-2022-bike-2
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Ahead of the race Kienle had said it would “be a miracle” if he made the top five but that so nearly happened – and IRONMAN created a sixth place for him at the post-race press conference.

A grateful Kienle was also the perfect person to articulate the link between past and present and the positive impact that raising the bar will have on the sport.

He said: “Before the race I never would have thought I would have a chance to be at the after-race press conference – and thanks for making an extra place!

“It’s very telling that this was my fastest time. Obviously, we had some really fast conditions, but the race was more than 15 minutes ahead of me and I like to see that, honestly. It is a good way to retire. I don’t need to come back here.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Laura Siddall day 2 Kona 2025 snapshot
Sid’s day two diary from Kona: The Knibb double act and other inspiring Age Groupers
Laura Philipp wins the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, France
Champion Laura Philipp reveals new game plan ahead of Kona title defence
IRONMAN World Championship 2024 podium - Laura Philipp, Kat Matthews, Chelsea Sodaro
IRONMAN World Championship 2025 in Kona: Laura Siddall’s big-race preview and predictions
Hoala Training Swim Kona 2025 3
Sid’s day one diary from Kona: LCB shows who’s boss in Ho’ala Training Swim as excitement builds
Lucy Charles Barclay wins 2023 IRONMAN World Championship photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Championship at Kona 2025: Lucy Charles-Barclay predicts new course record
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...