Search
shop

Kat a world beater: Matthews is St George pick for Chris McCormack

British star a major player for the biggest race of all
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

All of a sudden Kat Matthews is the hottest name on the lips of many triathlon experts ahead of next month’s IRONMAN World Championship in St George. We can add Chris McCormack to the growing list.

Many seasoned UK observers had already been huge admirers of the British Army Physio even before she opened her 2022 season by demolishing a high-class field at IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote.

Advertisement

Kat a global force now

The way Matthews put the likes of reigning IRONMAN World Champion Anne Haug to the sword though raised many eyebrows, and announced her arrival as a global force.

Afterwards Haug herself dished out high praise, admitting: “Tough day at the office today and got demonstrated how someone can ride a bike. Outstanding performance from Kat Matthews”.

Kat Matthews IRONMAN 70.3 Lanzarote 2022 finish
Kat Matthews was a dominant winner in Lanzarote (Photo Credit: Ryan Sosna-Bowd)

McCormack meanwhile was similarly impressed, revealing: “I think that was the performance of the year myself.

“I know that course very well; I’ve trained there a lot. Her power numbers are amazing. She’s been a steady improver; she’s always been to me a strong biker with the best run in women’s triathlon, but just been out of the action because her swim was off when she didn’t have that bike power to close the gap and put herself in striking distance to win.”

Now for St George

The big target now for Kat is that huge showdown in St George on May 7. And the sad news that likely favourite Lucy Charles-Barclay will miss the race due to a broken hip leaves the women’s event wide open.

McCormack is not alone in believing that Matthews is now a major player in the race for glory in Utah.

“It’s just one race, but to win, to be a major contender at the big ones, her bike is the best in the game at the moment. So you’ve got on paper the best runner or top three runners in the field with current form on the bike of best in the business.

“And with Lucy gone, she has a swim that’s relative to everyone else’s. Suddenly, Kat Matthews is a major favourite for this event.

“It’s just a huge step up for her, and she needs to handle that expectation – both her own and those of other people around her. As the spotlight comes on to her, she should just be comfortable and confident in the journey and the process. If she’s in a position to win the race 10k into that run, she’ll win the race.

“The only ones who could outrun her are Anne Haug and a well-positioned Laura Philipp.”

Matthews for the win

McCormack is not just high on Kat’s chances of performing really well in St George – when pushed for a pick to win he plumped for the British star to top the podium in the biggest race of all.

“I’m going to go with Kat Matthews, only because we’ve spoken to her recently and I’ve been able to see her up close. I like where her headspace is; I think she believes that she can win it.”

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Patrick Lange IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Men’s start list finalised
Tim Don Alex Yee joy Supertri Toronto 2025
‘Almost untouchable’ – Tim Don on ‘generational talent’ Alex Yee’s WTCS return
Sam Laidlow IRONMAN World Championship 2023 Nice finish line celebration
Title favourite Sam Laidlow focusing on the mind as well as the body ahead of Nice showdown
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 703 Swansea 2025 finish line
IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun 2025: Date, start times and how to watch live
Chrissie Wellington 2023 photo credit: Challenge Roth
IRONMAN legend Chrissie Wellington shortlisted in BBC vote for ‘UK Sportswoman of the 21st Century’
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.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£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...