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 -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

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
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
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...