IRONMAN Texas 2025: British triathlon superstar Kat Matthews reveals key motivation for record-breaking success

Few triathletes can boast the success that British sensation Kat Matthews has showcased over the past few years.

The 34-year-old has five race victories since the start of the 2023 season, adding a further seven podiums over a range of distances including IRONMAN, IRONMAN 70.3 and T100.

To close out the 2024 season Matthews secured runner-up berths at both the full-distance IRONMAN World Championship in Nice and the 70.3 equivalent in New Zealand in December.

And after starting the 2025 campaign with an outstanding win at IRONMAN Texas, beating US phenom Taylor Knibb in a record-breaking time, Kat has detailed her motivation heading into the new season.

“You vs You” mantra

The British star detailed her mantra in a post on her Instagram page, suggesting her only true opponent is herself.

“One dominant 🧠 driving thought pre-race was; You don’t often get to race and realistically aim for a PB’. You vs. You. The ultimate driver; intrinsic motivation.

“It’s a really privileged position to be in, especially as a professional athlete, where you continue to improve and you get to reap those improvements in competition. I am so grateful for my mind and body, and those surrounding me, allowing me this freedom to try.

“To everyone reading – thank you for 🫵your support, [just] on here and in person! This adds fuel on a daily basis! 🔥📈.”

Next on the schedule for Kat

Kat confirmed prior to the season that her plan was to go all in on the IRONMAN Pro Series to defend the 2024 title she earned last year. In doing so she refused at T100 contract for this season.

After winning IRONMAN Texas for a third time, Matthews is likely to head for IRONMAN Hamburg on Sunday June 1 before returning to home soil at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea on Sunday July 13.

IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See-Kaprun (August 31) is next on the agenda before a double World Championship assault in Kona (October 11) and Marbella (November 8).