Local to contest Ironman
Port Elizabeth athlete to represent country at Ironman Championship in September
SOUTH AFRICAN’s can look forward to the Ironman Championship woman race as Port Elizabeth athlete Lucy Charles (24) will be representing the country until September 2018.
She was the somewhat unexpected runnerup at the Ironman European Championship (Frankfurt) and at the Ironman World Championship last year, posting tremendous swim and bike splits in both races.
Charles was one of the most outstanding athletes in women’s racing last year, also winning the heralded Ironman Lanzarote in May.
Sarah Hartman from the Ironman Foundation says Women For Tri is an initiative that works to increase female participation at all levels of triathlon.
“The programme seeks to identify and diminish barriers and advocates to encourage and engage female athletes across all race distances and representing all athletic abilities.
“Women For Tri embodies the heart and soul of what makes the sport so rewarding: testing your ability, overcoming challenges and realising the full depth of your potential in the most widely recognised test of endurance, triathlon,” Hartman said.
Those who want to be part of the Ironman programme they can enjoy benefits of a free 24 weeks training plan developed by Ironman master coaches, “Digital Ironman in training” badge to share with your supporters and fans on social media and prerace webinar, tips and tricks to prepare you for the big day and many more.
“Here at Ironman, we are excited for race season. We’re excited for the personal records our athletes are going to set and the big dreams they will realise across finish lines all over the world. We’re excited to head to new venues and return to old favourites.
“But perhaps what we are most excited about are the new athletes who have yet to cross an Ironman finish line with us. Many of us have experienced for ourselves the lifechanging power of training for and completing the Ironman distance and we can’t wait for you to as well.
“We are thrilled that you have decided to race your first Ironman event this year and we look forward to accompanying you on your journey to Become One with Ironman.
“The goal with this program is to provide you with a support network of Ironman U coaches, Ironman staff and TriClubs to help you as you prepare for what we believe will be a life changing experience.”
RARING TO GO: Lucy Charles will represent the country in the Ironman Championship women’s race to take place in Port Elizabeth in September.