Anne Reischmann and Holly Lawrence both had significant additional reasons to celebrate competing – and completing – in the IRONMAN World Championship over the weekend.

For Reischmann had revealed just before the race that she had found out she was pregnant, while Lawrence’s brilliant sixth place came just a year after the birth of her first child.

Lawrence had also raced soon after she discovered she was pregnant last year when coming third at T100 Miami last year.

‘Wonderful surprise’

German star Reischmann won IRONMAN South Africa early on in the campaign and is ranked in the top 30 in the world.

And posting on Instagram just before the start of the most important full-distance race of the season, she revealed: “A couple of weeks ago my road to Kona took an unexpected turn: during my preparations for the World Championships, I found out that I’m pregnant. Joel and I are very happy about this wonderful surprise.

“As you can imagine my plans and goals for Kona have changed all of a sudden. Luckily, I have been feeling good and powerful on most days and I have continued training. I’m not in peak shape, but together with my team and my doctor, I have decided to start the World Championships. For me it’s not a „race“, I won’t be chasing Ironman Pro Series points or a ranking and I won’t be racing with my usual ambitions and determination. There’s also a good chance I step off the course and I’m prepared to dnf, if I should start to feel unwell. I see it now more as an event, I have been dreaming for years to take part and I’m so happy I’ll get to do that today 🌴🌺”

Anne not only took part but crossed the line in 9:30:30 for 31st place and was greeted at the finish by IRONMAN Group CEO Scott DeRue, who presented her with a baby onesie.

Love and support

And the emotions were flowing in a fantastic way too for Lawrence, who only took part in her first IRONMAN at Lake Placid in July.

The US-based former 70.3 World Champion from Britain was sixth in 8:52:40 and greeted by husband Sean and one-year-old daughter Poppy.

Lawrence wrote on Instagram: “The finish line emotion said it all 🥺

“Moved by all the cheers yesterday and the spirit of the girls racing ❤️.

“Proud of how I managed myself to finish 6th at my first IM WC Kona and second Ironman. Still a lot to learn over this distance, huge respect to the girls upfront and those that put it all on the line and came up short – truly inspiring.

“Thanks for the love and support ❤️”