Britain’s Lucy Charles-Barclay set a new course record as she won the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii for the first time.
Charles-Barclay, runner-up four times, crossed the finish line in a time of eight hours 24 minutes 31 seconds.
The 30-year-old is also the first woman to lead the event from start to finish.
“It’s taken me five attempts and I’ve finally done it,” said Charles-Barclay. “I don’t think it’s sunk in whatsoever, but I’m just over the moon.”
Charles-Barclay is just the third Briton to win the Ironman World Championship after Leanda Cave and Chrissie Wellington.
Her time eclipsed the previous course record held by five-time winner Daniela Ryf of Switzerland since 2018 by one minute and 47 seconds.
“It’s really hard to put it into words. I’ve been wanting this so badly since I started my career,” added Charles-Barclay, who won the Half Ironman World Championship in 2021.
“All of the pro women were cheering me on, and to have their support even when we’re all out there suffering just shows how amazing this sport is.”
Germany’s Anne Haug finished just over three minutes further back in second, with compatriot Laura Philipp third.
