Laura Philipp and Daniela Ryf donate Dubai prizes to Ukraine

Laura Philipp and Daniela Ryf proved yet again that triathlon can be a real force for good when they donated their prize money from IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai to the people of Ukraine.

While the start of the big-time professional triathlon season brought much excitement on Saturday, everything right now pales almost into insignificance given what is happening in war-torn Ukraine.

Philipp and Ryf giving back

So many sections of society have stood up to raise money and awareness following the Russian awareness, and Philipp and Ryf added their names to the ever-growing list.

They had both announced their intentions ahead of the start in Dubai, and Laura won $2500 by claiming top step on the podium with Daniela netting $2000 for second.

Laura said in an Instagram post: “The world is facing great challenges right now. My thoughts and respect go to the people who are bravely fighting and standing up for freedom and peace in Ukraine and around the world.

“Tomorrow I will race for this very purpose, to show that we should fight each other in sport and not in war.

“Any prize money i’ll win with this race, will be donated for the people of Ukraine to support peace and justice in the world.”

Much bigger challenges

Daniela meanwhile had very similar feelings, explaining: “The world is facing much bigger challenges at the moment.

“My thoughts are with the people in Ukraine and everyone fighting for peace around the world. That’s why for me tomorrow’s race lays under the sign of showing that we should fight in sport and not in war.

“The prizemoney I win tomorrow I will donate to @roteskreuz_ch who helps the people in need in Ukraine.”