Lucy
Charles-Barclay
United Kingdom
·
Ironman
Data e lindjes | 15 Shtator 1993 |
|---|---|
Age | 32 |
Kombësia | United Kingdom |
Fillimi i karrierës | 2016 |
Disiplinat | Triathlon Ironman |
In 2014, Lucy Charles-Barclay decided to enter a triathlon after a 10-year competitive swimming career that included an Olympic Trials final for Great Britain. Never mind that she had no triathlon experience and had to actually learn how to ride a bike, Lucy threw herself in at the deep end of the toughest triathlon discipline of all – Ironman – and amazed by finishing Ironman UK.
Her talent shone instantly in Ironman and it took Lucy less than a year to become an a double world champion in the Female 18–24 age group, winning both the Ironman and 70.3 titles in 2015.
After turning pro in 2016, again it took her just one year to achieve her first professional victory. She won the 2017 edition of Ironman Lanzarote by demolishing the field in a course record time.
Lucy’s stellar career has seen her win Ironman races in Lanzarote, South Africa and Frankfurt, as well as Challenge Roth in Germany and three times at Challenge Family’s The Championship in Slovakia. Between 2017 and 2019 Lucy finished second at Ironman Worlds in Kona, Hawaii.
In 2021, after so many near misses, she was crowned Ironman 70.3 World Champion in St George, Utah, dominating the field to finish eight minutes ahead of her nearest rival. She was to repeat the feat in 2025: coming through a difficult period of injury and personal bereavement to claim a second 70.3 world title in Marbella, Spain. She swapped the lead with Taylor Knibb throughout the race, before pulling away from the defending three-time world champion in the latter stages of the run.
It was in 2023, however, that Lucy achieved her main career goal in style, winning the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, setting a new course record and becoming the only woman to win by leading from start to finish.
"It's taken me five attempts and I've finally done it," she said. "I don't think it's sunk in whatsoever, but I'm just over the moon.
"It's really hard to put it into words. I've been wanting this so badly since I started my career."
Lucy Charles-Barclay loves to clear her mind while running
© James Mitchell / Red Bull Content Pool
Lucy Charles-Barclay coming in to the finish
© Graeme Murray/ Red Bull Content Pool
Lucy Charles-Barclay in full prep mode ahead of race day
© James Mitchell/Red Bull Content Pool
From a swim cap to aerobars, triathlete Lucy Charles-Barclay does it all
© James Mitchell/Red Bull Content Pool