A world first for triathlete
World champion triathlete Kate Strong is the first woman in the world to complete a 24-hour cycling marathon on a static bike, which saw her pedal 433.09 miles in a day and travel a further distance in one-, 12- and 24hours than has previously been achieved by any other female athlete.
Taking place at Clifton Observatory in Bristol over a 24-hour period, Strong’s challenge started at 3pm on May 26 and saw her cycle a distance of 24.2 miles in the first hour and 232.1 miles in 12 hours, exceeding the 21.93 miles and 216.24 miles achieved by Slovenian athlete Tina Ternjak in 2012.
Former Keynsham resident Strong is also the first female athlete ever to achieve a record for a woman cycling on a static bike for 24 hours – although a male record exists. Strong’s intention with this challenge was to level the playing field and demonstrate that there is a place for women to pioneer and lead in sport, business and life.
Strong said: “I’m so grateful and honoured to have attempted this challenge and earning three world records is a huge privilege. Being a 42-year-old plant-based woman cycling on a bamboo bike, most people would think what I attempted was impossible. I’m proud to be redefining what’s possible.
“Personally, it’s not about the records, it’s about the people that held the space for me to elevate and grow, as well as the person I have become during these past 16 months of training.
“Since I took up sport alongside my professional career, I have kept finding new ways to demonstrate that we are far greater than we could imagine and to, hopefully inspire others especially women - to step up and strive for greatness.”
Strong, 42, only started training for athletic success in her mid-30s and within two years was crowned agegroup world champion in long-distance triathlon in 2014. Since that time she has regularly participated in extreme sports and is already planning to undertake the Limitless Challenge over two months in 2023.
The challenge will see her cycle 3,000 miles around GB and climb the Three Peaks. Throughout the two months, her partner, Kieren Windsor, will join her and they both will stop to talk at local schools as well as planting over 3,000 trees at different sections of the challenge.
The cycle route will follow the coast as much as possible and the intention is to cycle 8-10 hours a day, carrying a tent and minimal supplies for the entire journey. Kate and Kieren intend to stop intermittently visiting schools and local events to raise awareness about climate change and sharing ways we all can contribute to a more positive outlook.
Their final leg of the challenge will see them climb the Three highest Peaks of Scotland, England & Wales; Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1.085m) where supporters will be invited to join them.
The world record attempts and Limitless Challenge are about more than Strong’s own physical performance, she is also working with a team of researchers to better understand human performance more generally and how we can improve and elevate our mental and physical abilities in varying conditions.
For more information about Kate Strong, how to donate or partner with Limitless Challenge, please visit https://katestrong.global/.