Search
shop

British IRONMAN champion rules himself OUT of Kona after rocky start to the season

Joe Skipper, who has struggled to find form over the last 12 months, shared his decision after dropping out of IRONMAN Lake Placid last weekend.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

After a challenging start to the season, a tough day out at IRONMAN Lake Placid has forced Joe Skipper to rule himself out of chasing qualification to the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.

The Norfolk native, who was a pre-season favourite for the IRONMAN Pro Series in 2024, has been unable to rediscover the form that saw him finish fifth in Kona and win two titles in 2022.

Sharing his decision on Instagram, the 36-year-old admitted that the latest setback was a bitter pill to swallow, but that he was excited to return to racing once he figures things out.

Advertisement

Training not translating to racing

Despite racing six times already this season, the PTO World #95 has struggled to nail things on the day, with Lake Placid on Sunday another instance of things just not going his way.

Challenge Geraardsbergen 2023 - Photo Credit José Luis Hourcade

“Unfortunately I felt very flat and not myself in Lake Placid. I just didn’t really have anything and my legs felt terrible. Honestly I’m absolutely gutted and just really down. I was looking forward to this race and my training had gone really well so I was very confident of putting together a great race.” 

As the defending champion, the result will sting even more, and marks the second full distance race Skipper has withdrawn from in 2024, after also pulling out of IRONMAN Texas in April.

Finding the root cause

With training going well and a strong sixth place finish at IRONMAN Cairns in June testament to his lasting ability, Skipper said he will now undergo some medical tests, to rule out any underlying issues that could be hampering his racing.

Joe Skipper press conference 2023 Roth [Photo credit: Challenge Roth]
[Photo credit: Challenge Roth]

“I will be taking some time off now, I’m going to get some blood tests done to see if there’s anything up with me as I’ve been so inconsistent in races and rarely feel like my normal self in races.

“I don’t know when I will race again as I’m going to just concentrate on feeling better and when I am confident I can race like myself I’ll be back on a start line.

“As you can probably gather this means no Kona but to be honest that’s probably a good thing as I can just take my time to get myself back firing on all cylinders and not force it. 

“Thanks to everyone for all the support it means the world, next time I’m on a start line I hope to do all the support justice!”

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
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!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Oliver Conway World Triathlon Cuo win Saidia 2025
Breakthrough World Cup win – and Brownlee Racing spot – in memorable week for British youngster
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
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...