THE REIGN OF QUEEN CHARLES-BARCLAY

ON 14 OCTOBER 2023, LUCY CHARLES-BARCLAY PUT IN ARGUABLY THE FINEST PERFORMANCE THAT KONA HAS EVER WITNESSED, LEADING FROM GUN TO TAPE TO TAKE THAT MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER AND THOROUGHLY DESERVED WIN. HERE, WE CATCH UP WITH THE WOMAN OF THE DECADE TO CELEBRATE HER INCREDIBLE SUCCESS...

- Tim Heming

She finally did it. After four consecutive runner-up finishes, the girl with the battle braids and a big dream from north London finally conquered the Big Island to become the third British triathlete to win the Ironman World Championship. In following in the footsteps of four-time champ Chrissie Wellington (2007-09 and 2011) and Leanda Cave (2012), it wasn’t just the result that won respect, but the manner of the victory – cannon-to-tape, a new course record, and defeating arguably the best women’s field ever assembled.

What’s more, it was all delivered by training indoors in solitude for weeks in the build-up – “a bit like being in a lab” – according to husband and co-coach Reece, for one of the most committed and motivated race preps the sport is ever likely to witness (see p15 for more on their prep).

Thirtieth-birthday celebrations were swapped for uncorking the frustration of two injury-challenged years. Up at 5am, bed at 8pm, there were blips of course – including one major scare that threatened to ruin it all – but as an emotional Lucy Charles-Barclay said to 220 immediately post-race: “I really have dedicated my whole career to trying to win this race. It’s taken five attempts and I’ve finally done it. I really can’t believe it.”

The tributes to Lucy Charles-Barclay flowed like lava; the mashed metaphors of no more the Hawaiian bridesmaid but now Kona queen echoing on repeat, but there was one message that mattered the most.