Search
shop

US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win

Matthews set a new record as she pushed Knibb into second place at IRONMAN Texas
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Kat Matthews was unstoppable at IRONMAN Texas last weekend, and now her greatest rival has spoken out about her record-breaking run.

US great Taylor Knibb finished in second place on Saturday behind Matthews, who recorded the fastest ever finish by a woman in an IRONMAN-branded full-distance race.

Matthews has already spoken out about how the fierce competition from the rest of the field inspired her achievement – and now Knibb has spoken about an incredible race at The Woodlands.

Advertisement

Knibb pays homage to Ironman racing

Posting on her Instagram account, she wrote: “Huge congrats to @katr_matthews for the win— a truly impressive and inspiring race all around— and congrats to @lisa.perterer for rounding out the podium.

“More than anything, Saturday was a great reminder of the distance and event and all that it entails. I’m even more excited to get back to work and keep working to figure more out.

“A massive thank you to everyone on my team for getting me to the start and finish line. It is far from an easy task and probably felt quite far away at times these past few weeks/months.

“Thank you also for all of the support on the course— it’s a long day for everyone involved, but very much appreciated.”

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Finish Line Kat Matthews Taylor Knibb
Second-place Kat Matthews congratulates 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Taylor Knibb (Photo – Fiona Goodall, Getty Images for IRONMAN).

Texas was just one stop along the road towards Knibb’s ultimate goal this year – finishing top of the podium at the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in October.

The 27-year-old finished fourth in the 2023 IRONMAN World Championship in her debut appearance at the distance and she is gearing her training towards going all the way this year.

Best of both

A three-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion, Knibb is determined to achieve her aim – and her rivalry with Matthews just looks like helping to get the best out of both athletes.

It was a third consecutive IRONMAN Texas win for Matthews, who finished second behind Knibb at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship last year.

And with both women going for glory in Kona later this year, their rivalry looks like being one to watch for the rest of 2025.

Paul Brown
Written by
Paul Brown
Discover more
Challenge Sardinia location
Let’s race… Challenge Forte Village Sardinia
Are calf sleeves actually worth it for triathletes? How many watts aero calf compression sleeves could save you
Laura Siddall Patagonman Xtreme Triathlon 2023
PremiumAre we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
Is sports nutrition bad for you? Ultra-processed foods are under siege, and athletes are caught in the cross fire – but should we be worried?
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
The ultimate city break triathlon race-cations: from Challenge Barcelona to Singapore T100 these are the best city centre races to combine multisport with sightseeing
latest News
Ashleigh Gentle wins T100 French Riviera 2025
Spain T100 2025: Date, start time, how to watch live and who’s racing
Fred Funk race ranger red light
RaceRanger anti-drafting data to be published after all T100 races – with immediate effect
Kat Matthews wins IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See 2025
Five new locations announced as 2026 IRONMAN Pro Series calendar unveiled
Gwen Jorgensen World Triathlon Cup Miyazaki 2024 Results
‘Another three good years’ – Olympic champ Gwen Jorgensen WILL race on after surgery
Marten Van Riel IMWC Nice 2025 finish line
IRONMAN World Championship Nice 2025: Van Riel on ‘out of this world’ Norwegians
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...