Images: Ironman
By Kent Gray/Triathlon.kiwi
Hannah Berry intends channelling the “most fun” vibes from her sensational VinFast Ironman World Championships debut in Kona last year into her take two attempt in Nice on Sunday (NZT).
The Mt Maunganui 34-year-old and Aucklander Rebecca Clarke will fly the Kiwi flag in the elite women’s race which you can watch live here from 5pm NZT Sunday: LIVE IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS YOUTUBE STREAM
Berry was 11th in Kona and is now up to 24th in the PTO World Rankings after success in Ironman Taupo 70.3 (1st), the Tauranga Half (3rd), Ironman Geelong 70.3 (5th), Ironman Texas (4th) and Ironman Cairns (1st) since.
“It’s been a big year so far, like it has been for many of the athletes. A lot of travel. I think just all the races leading up to this race has just given me confidence that I can travel around the world and race with just incredible athletes from everywhere,” Berry said after being one of 10 athletes invited to Ironman’s official preview media conference.
What will you take from race day in Kona last year and put it into practice here in Nice on Sunday, Hannah?
“Yeah, it was an incredible experience last year in Kona. I had the most fun I’ve ever had in an Ironman in that race. I just enjoyed being there amongst all the ladies up here and the rest of the field in such an incredible place.
“And I think It’ll be similar on Sunday. Obviously a very different course, but another incredible place to race. And I’ll just take confidence from my performance last year in Kona into this race and know that I can be out there and enjoy the day…as much as we can, of course.”
Clarke is again expected to be an early protagonist with her swim speed in Nice. She was 20th in Kona last year after finishing 17th on debut in 2022.
The 35-year-old, 62nd in the PTO rankings, has had a busy 2024, most recently finishing 14th at Ironman 70.3 Zell am See, a race Berry DNF’d. Clarke’s highlights this year have been silver at Challenge Wanaka and 5th at Ironman Cairns.
New Zealand will also be represented by 10 age groupers in Nice: Scotia Boelee, Kate Brown, Tomo Greer, Lisa Hitchcock, Brooke Kilmister, Tanya Lavington, Hannah Martin, Sue McMaster, Charlotte Porter and Katrina Shores.
