Search
shop

IRONMAN Kalmar 2017: The Video

The incredible 2017 IRONMAN Kalmar highlights video. An absolute must watch, from the Swedish event many would consider a 'must race'.
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
ALL ABOUT THE ATHLETE

One of the best highlights videos I’ve seen…
…from one of the best races in the world

By chance, I was present at the debut of IRONMAN Kalmar, Sweden in 2012. There has been a long distance race based in Kalmar for many years and it was taken over by IRONMAN for the first time that year, the recent 2017 race being the sixth edition under the M-Dot banner.

Way back in 2012 (you can read it, from the time, HERE!), I said even before the race had happened…

“Kalmar itself is delightful. Definite similarities I feel to Klagenfurt, Austria with cobbled streets, beautiful squares and plenty of restaurants and cafe’s. Swim start, swim exit, transition, expo, finish and briefing are all within a very gentle stroll too, making everything very easy and relaxed. Ironman is tough enough without adding complexity through complex logistics.”

The race delivered, and my post-race thoughts (HERE) came with a headline of IRONMAN Kalmar debut delights.

The reason I was in Kalmar five years ago was to support my sister-in-law, Boo Smith, at her second IRONMAN. She did great, smashed her time from Austria a year previously, and she wrote about it (and I made a video about it), HERE.

Five years later, just short of her 56th birthday, and having not raced over the iron-distance for four years, Boo was ready to go long again – and Kalmar was the chosen race. I couldn’t wait to return.

The event is BETTER than I remember. Race day started with the National Anthem. Sung live. One voice, one truly stunning voice, thousands of spectators and athletes showing total respect – and quite a few with tears in their eyes – and the day started with a moment which I’ll never forget. It would be a sign of things to come.

Times, for many Age-Group athletes at least, were somewhat slower than expected on the bike as the wind got up – but thankfully the rain that had greeted us at around 4 a.m. had stopped an hour before race start, not to be seen again. It was going to be a good day.

For Boo, it would be a very memorable day. Sixth in Age-Group out of the swim, she was up to third off of the bike and then by 8km into the run, she had moved into second and within ten minutes of the leader. Could we dare to dream? Of course, we did dream… but the Finnish athlete in front proved too strong on the day and was a worthy winner! Boo finished in 12:28:24, faster than she was at the same venue five years ago, her fastest Ironman, and would be on the podium!

Boo Smith IRONMAN Kalmar

That meant of course, even more incentive to attend the Awards presentation and Kona slot allocation. And it was there – barely 12 hours since the last finisher had crossed the line – that this video package was played.

*** WATCH THE VIDEO! *** – and listen to the words of the song (it’s by Nano, called ‘Hold On’). Brilliant.

A perfect ending to a practically flawless event, where every tiny detail appeared to have been considered. And the athlete in the very last scene? She’d just missed the cut-off – and race winner, Clemente Alonso McKernan, decided to give her his own medal collected almost eight hours earlier. True story.

Well, it wasn’t quite finished for us just yet, at the Kona slot allocation and roll-down followed… Boo has to to do it all again in Kona on 14th October after collecting her slot for the IRONMAN World Championship!

IRONMAN Kalmar

Considering reasons to do IRONMAN Kalmar in the future? I’m struggling to think of any reasons NOT to do it. I hope that wasn’t my last visit.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
Abbie Brind IRONMAN Zell am See
From total beginner to half Ironman finisher – Top tips for taking on your first half distance triathlon
Challenge Family Kaiserwinkle-Walchsee triathlon bike
The ultimate triathlon bike courses to ride before you die
TRI247 Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review
Wahoo KICKR RUN treadmill review – can Wahoo do for treadmill running what they did for indoor cycling?
Challenge Cesenatico 2024 debut - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
5 ways to improve your FTP – Expert tips to level up your cycling
Road cyclist
Road cycling gear guide for beginners – Essential cycling clothing and accessories to get started
latest News
Lionel Sanders bike 703 Worlds 2023 photo credit Talbot Cox
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders suffered fractured hip in bike crash which ended his season
Blenheim Triathlon - perfect for begniner triathletes
British triathlon at UNESCO World Heritage site announces two new events
Georgia Taylor Brown Santa Vall gravel race 2025 photo credit Santa Vall and Gravel Earth Series
British Olympic triathlon star has “so much fun” on gravel biking debut and “wants to sign up for more”
Outlaw Triathlon 2010
“We’ve come a long way, but the ethos remains the same” – Outlaw Triathlon Race Director on 15 years of daring to do things differently
Geraint Thomas cyclist 2024 photo credit INEOS Grenadiers
British cycling legend and Tour de France winner plans IRONMAN triathlon after retirement
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...