Search
shop

IRONMAN Kona 2024: French star WILL NOW RACE after major Hawaii U-turn

Last week Horseau had pulled out of the Hawaii showpiece, but now he is back on the start line for Saturday.
Editor-In-Chief
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

French star Arthur Horseau WILL line up for Saturday’s IRONMAN World Championship in Kona after all.

Less than one week ago Arthur had announced the “heartbreaking” decision to pull out of the showpiece event, suffering from pure exhaustion after a 2024 season full of physical and mental challenges.

It was the saddest of news for a man who had finished sixth in Nice last year and had hoped to line up once again alongside friend, training partner, compatriot and defending champion Sam Laidlow.

Advertisement

Horseau opens up on challenges

But a few short days away from the pressure and intensity that a Kona build was meaning for Arthur, the clouds were lifting – both physically and mentally. And on Tuesday he announced that he would after all be on the start line this Saturday.

He revealed some of the pain he has suffered in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: “It’s been several years that I’ve been going through difficult times, alternating between highs and deep lows. Since the end of last year, darkness has taken up a bit more space in my daily life.

“Depression set in, making me doubt everything, including myself. It’s a complex internal struggle, manifesting as both psychological and physical distress. Yet, what has kept me going is the desire to succeed and the support of those around me.

“I came to Hawai’i full of ambition, and this race represented that light at the end of the tunnel for me. But over time, that tunnel grew longer, and the pressure I put to myself intensified.

“So, I took a step back – a week on the other side of the island, away from everything, to make peace with myself. Without training, I felt my body recovering and that maybe, it was ready. Ready to try, to take on this legendary race that has always been a dream of mine. To live without regrets.

Arthur Horseau wins IRONMAN Lanzarote 2023 [Photo credit: James Mitchell / Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote]
Arthur Horseau WILL race IRONMAN Kona this Saturday [Photo credit: James Mitchell / Club La Santa IRONMAN Lanzarote]

No hiding behind excuses

“So, this Saturday, I won’t hide behind excuses. I want to move forward, to keep going. Turn the page, without erasing this chapter of my life, because it is shaping who I am. Putting words to depression, talking about it, is essential. Because it’s a path filled with obstacles that lead us to overcoming it.

“I will fight, for myself, but also for all those who support me, because after the storm and the darkness, there is always light, as long as we keep moving forward.”

Mahalo 🌺

Graham Shaw
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been involved with TRI247 & RUN247 since the summer of 2021. Since then he has provided strategic direction for all news and is passionate about the growth of triathlon as a fan sport.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Georgia Taylor Brown wins supertri Toulouse 2024
British Olympic legend Georgia Taylor-Brown to make triathlon return
Gwen Jorgensen reflective World Triathlon Cup Vina del Mer 2023
‘Unbreakable’ Gwen Jorgensen ‘bruised’ after bike crash but vows to bounce back
IRONMAN CEO Scott DeRue Women For Tri 2024
IRONMAN announce new age-group qualification system for Kona and 70.3 Worlds
IRONMAN World Championship 2019 / Kona 2019
IRONMAN’s new age-group system for Kona – all the big questions answered
Frederic Funk finish line Challenge Samarkand 2023 photo credit Challenge Family
Challenge Roth 2025: German star goes into the unknown in iconic triathlon showdown
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

Share to...