Search
shop

IRONMAN Kona: Magnus Ditlev made AMAZING recovery after fearing he was FINISHED in T2

"I just basically put one foot in front of the other for the entire run," says great Dane after transforming his IMWC fortunes.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

There were plenty of blow ups during an incredible IRONMAN World Championship in Kona – and eventual runner-up Magnus Ditlev has revealed his name was so nearly added to the list.

Defending champion Sam Laidlow’s implosion after what had been a record-breaking bike leg was the most high-profile.

He saw a nine-minute lead to eventual winner Patrick Lange gobbled up within the first half of the marathon, with Laidlow reduced to a walk before he bravely battled to the finish.

Advertisement

‘People were blowing up all over the place’

But great Dane Ditlev had been the man for most of the 112 miles who had been closest to Laidlow on two wheels.

However he so nearly paid the price for that as he lost chunks of time in the closing stages of the bike, so much so that he admitted: “I was very certain my day was done when I entered T2.”

Magnus Ditlev IRONMAN World Championship 2024 Kona bike [Photo credit: Getty Images for IRONMAN]
Magnus Ditlev gave it his all on the bike in Kona [Photo credit: Getty Images for IRONMAN]

Going into more detail at the post-race press conference, which is embedded below, he added: “Somehow, I told myself at least run out at an easy pace you know you can sustain. Run out to the turnaround at Ali’i Drive [the very first section] and see where you are.

“I didn’t feel really good on the run to be honest and people came past me in the beginning but then I could see that the gaps were stabilising and people were blowing up all over the place so I kind of just basically put one foot in front of the other for the entire run.”

Mental strength

But that strength of mind would pay dividends as he started to move back through the field.

He explained how the tide started to turn, saying: “I suddenly found myself close to the podium and that was when everything flicked in my head and I found the motivation again.

“I was pretty certain that I was running at a pace that I would be able to sustain and in an IRONMAN in these conditions, you know that when the gaps stabilise and the people in front of you are getting closer, you know which way it’s going to go.

“That really motivated me and I’m super happy and proud that I managed to come in second place here. I didn’t even think I would be able to run the marathon when I entered T2 but I’ve been doing a lot of work on my mental game.”

Ditlev’s second place – in common with the first four of Lange, himself, Rudy von Berg and Leon Chevalier – was one better than last year and it’s pushed him within a whisker of the #1 spot on the update PTO world rankings.

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
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
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
Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Tongyeong 2023 run
Olympic triathlon champion Gwen Jorgensen issues last call for scholarship fund for young athletes
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...