Charles-Barclay Withdraws from Ironman World Championship Following Talk with Husband
British triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay withdrew from the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, during the marathon segment. Despite leading initially, she faced extreme challenges due to the intense heat and humidity.
Lucy Charles-Barclay’s Withdrawal from Ironman World Championship
On the day of the race, temperatures soared to 28°C with humidity at 70%. Leading after 10 miles of the marathon, Charles-Barclay struggled to maintain her pace. She faced tough competition from American triathlete Taylor Knibb, who was also in contention for the title.
Decision to Withdraw
As fatigue set in, Charles-Barclay began to alternate between walking and running. With nine miles remaining, her husband Reece intervened, leading to her decision to withdraw. Clearly emotional, Charles-Barclay recognized the importance of prioritizing her health.
In her Instagram post, she expressed gratitude for Reece’s support and acknowledged the difficulties of the race, stating, “I raced with my heart… until it wasn’t.”
Race Highlights
Despite the challenges faced by Charles-Barclay and Knibb, who also withdrew with four kilometers remaining, the race culminated in an exciting finish. Solveig Lovseth from Norway seized the lead, and Kat Matthews from Great Britain pushed hard to finish in silver.
Final Standings
Matthews completed the marathon in a record time of 2 hours and 47 minutes, closing the gap to Lovseth to just 35 seconds.
- 1st Place: Solveig Lovseth (NOR) – 8:28:27
- 2nd Place: Kat Matthews (GBR) – 8:29:02
- 3rd Place: Laura Philipp (GER) – 8:37:28
- 4th Place: Hannah Berry (NZL) – 8:46:25
- 5th Place: Lisa Perterer (AUT) – 8:48:08
Matthews reflected on her performance, stating, “I’m very proud of my finish.” She also praised Lovseth’s impressive race. Charles-Barclay extended congratulations to all the top competitors and hoped for a stronger comeback in future events.
The Ironman World Championship features a strenuous course, comprising a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon.
