Lucy Charles-Barclay pulled off the performance of a lifetime on Saturday to break the Kona course record and win her first IRONMAN World Championship title at the fifth time of asking, becoming the first British winner in 11 years.
The 30-year-old, who had finished second on four separate occasions in previous years, led from gun to tape with a dominating performance on the Big Island of Hawaii, crossing the finishing line in a magnificent 8:24:31.
In the aftermath of her victory, Chrissie Wellington, who won Kona on four separate occasions and claimed her last title back in 2011, shared a poignant and heartfelt message praising the new champion.
“Enjoy every second”
Prior to the gun going off on Saturday, Wellington had picked out her fellow countrywoman as one of the favourites for the podium, heralding her tenacity, bravery and decision making during the race, characteristics that all played a part in her victory on Saturday.
“She’s had enough second places to be given a taste of what it feels like to be so close. And again, tenacity is the word, she’s so tenacious and she’s such a smart athlete and she’s brave and strategic, she just leaves it all out there and I really love that.”
Having overcome so much this season, including a metatarsal fracture, visa issues and more, Wellington likened Charles-Barclay to a phoenix, who on race day left all of her setbacks and disappointments behind as she soared to victory.
Lucy ‘soared like a phoenix’
“Lucy Charles-Barclay – you rose and soared like a phoenix. That precious crown is yours and there is no one more deserving. I couldn’t be happier for you. Enjoy every second of this special special moment.”
Having written herself into the history books, her Kona win marks the remarkable ascent from age-grouper to professional athlete to IRONMAN World Champion. Following in the footsteps of Wellington, Charles-Barclay has firmly cemented herself as one of the best British Ironman athletes of all time.
