Unstoppable Taylor Knibb poised to go for 70.3 Worlds hat-trick after T100 domination

A huge boost for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship as T100 champ strongly hints she'll be heading to New Zealand to defend her title.
Knibb Derron Gentle women podium T100 Dubai 2024 photo credit PTO / T100
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Taylor Knibb has been unbeatable in the T100 this season – and having won the first-ever world title in that sphere, she’s potentially looking to add another 70.3 crown next month.

The American superstar repelled the dual challenge of Ashleigh Gentle and Julie Derron in the T100 finale in Dubai at the weekend but any thoughts of a well-deserved rest appear to have been put on hold.

Knibb was ready to race at WTCS Abu Dhabi back in early March and has since won a silver Mixed Team Relay medal at the Olympics in Paris as well as competing in the road cycling world time trial – but her long campaign looks set to be extended to mid-December.

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Five-star show

At middle distance in 2024 she has a perfect five-out-of-five record, with IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside added to her four T100 victories.

She’s won the last two 70.3 Worlds at St George and Lahti in quite brilliant fashion – and it’s clear she’s relishing another defence of her title in Taupo, New Zealand on 14 December.

For after reflecting on a “brutal” race in Dubai, she wasted little time in turning attention to a potential hat-trick of 70.3 World titles.

Knibb Derron Gentle women podium T100 Dubai 2024 photo credit PTO / T100
Knibb landed the T100 world title in Dubai [Photo credit: PTO / T100]

Family affair

Speaking on the T100 broadcast and when asked if she was going to have a rest, she replied: “There’s another race in four weeks.

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say it as it’s not T100 branded but we’ll see.

“After this past week I’ve been holding myself together so we’ll see how it goes.

“There’s Thanksgiving in the United States so we have a holiday coming up which is nice.

“But I’ve never been to New Zealand so I really want to go. My Mum’s racing too so we can all support her!”

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.  

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