One of the best long course triathletes in the world during the late 2000s and early 2010s, Mirinda Carfrae, has been recognized ahead of next month’s IRONMAN Australia.

The former professional triathlete turned commentator, who won the IRONMAN World Championship three times, has been inducted into the IRONMAN in Australia Hall of Fame.

Carfrae became the 25th inductee and now sits alongside some of the most prestigious names from Down Under who have made a significant and lasting impact on IRONMAN in Australia over the years.

“It actually feels surreal to be receiving this honour”

Having raced her final professional event in 2022 before retiring, Carfrae has since turned her hand to commentary and proven to be as well equipped on the mic as she was on the race course.

Accepting her honour, the 43-year-old said that being inducted felt ‘surreal’ and underlined the importance triathlon had played in her own life.

“It’s truly an honour to be inducted into the IRONMAN in Australia Hall of Fame, it actually feels surreal to be receiving this honour.

“To have the privilege and support to race IRONMAN is one thing but to have spent half of my life literally living my dreams is just something I feel so lucky to have been able to do.

“It’s wonderful to be able to add my name to the long list of amazing triathletes that have come out of Australia.”  

“I’m a very proud Australian”

Standing on seven IRONMAN World Championship podiums between 2009 and 2016, with three wins, three runner-up finished and a third place finish, Carfrae was a constant force on the world stage for close to a decade.

To have represented her country whilst doing so, says Carfrae, was the greatest honour, and something she could never dream of eclipsing.

“I’m a very proud Australian and to be able to represent Australia on the world stage has been nothing short of wonderful. For sure a childhood dream, I just could not have dreamed of anything better.

After two decades at the pointy end of the sport, Carfrae said that her transition to coaching and commentary has been a nice change of pace that has kept her engaged with the triathlon world.

“After spending over 20 years racing triathlon it’s really nice to be able to hop over the other side of the fence and now coach and mentor other athletes on their individual journeys through the sport.

 “It’s also been such a pleasure to be able to join in with some race commentary – something I never thought I would do but truly enjoy.”