The IRONMAN World Championship at Kona is one of sport’s most brutal tests, and even just getting there is no easy task.

On Saturday week (October 26) a stellar field of elite professional men will line up on the Big Island to fight for the sport’s biggest long-distance prize. But French star Arthur Horseau sadly will not be among them.

Horseau has been in Hawaii preparing with friend and training partner – defending IRONMAN World Champion Sam Laidlow – having finished an excellent sixth behind his compatriot in the 2023 showdown in Nice.

But on Thursday he was forced to admit defeat in his bid to reach the start line next Saturday, as he struggles to find answers for the exhaustion he is feeling.

Horseau announces Kona KO

Writing in an emotional Instagram post, he revealed: “So close to reaching a dream that has driven me for so long, yet I have to let it go.

“Physically and mostly mentally, this season has been a real challenge, with a series of misfortunes and pain that have knocked me down at every hurdle. Hawaii represented the light at the end of the tunnel for me, the hope of saving a tough season. But since arriving on the island more than 15 days ago, I have been constantly battling against a body that no longer follows, and I am exhausted.

“I’ve had all the necessary tests, searched for solutions, and tried to implement everything needed to keep going, but my body is absent, it no longer responds.

“Making this decision is heartbreaking, and I will always regret it. But today, I no longer have the resources to pursue this goal.
I need to recharge, take a step back, and rebuild myself, so that, hopefully, I can come back stronger.”

As Arthur explained, 2024 had been a difficult year for him, even before Thursday’s announcement. He has raced five times so far this year – with his last three races resulting in a pair of DNFs and a 21st-place finish at Triathlon Royan.

Rooting for Laidlow

Horseau, who won both IRONMAN Lanzarote and Embrunman in 2023, is now hoping that Laidlow can fly the flag successfully for France in his absence next weekend.

He said: “Lastly, I wish Sam the best of luck in the race. He’s preparing with the mindset of a true champion, and he deserves everything that’s coming his way.”

Laidlow himself wrote: You are not buried, you’ve just been planted 🌱 ❤️ Keep faith in the things you love bro and good things will come. Thanks for being there for me 🙏🏼”