Defending IRONMAN Australia champion Steve McKenna is set to make a last-minute dash from a maternity ward in Adelaide to the start line in Port Macquarie for Sunday’s race following the birth of his second child.
McKenna and wife Lauren welcomed their second daughter to the world on Monday, with the 2023 champion to head across the country to try and make it back-to-back IRONMAN Australia titles.
“Monday was one of the best days of our lives, everything went smoothly and our wait was finally over,” said McKenna. “I enjoyed it for 24hrs and then agreed with Lauren that I'd book flights to Port Macquarie for a 48hr race trip and rush back home post-race to enjoy a longer paternity leave if it goes well.”
McKenna’s win in Port Macquarie last year was his first IRONMAN victory, with it an important one for the 32-year-old.
“It meant everything triathlon wise. We have put a lot into my dream and an IRONMAN victory was the goal when I first learned what triathlon was in 2015,” he said. “All the sacrifices came to the front of my mind and Lauren and I were fairly emotional at the finish line.”
While McKenna crossed the line first he certainly didn’t have it all his own way across the 226km race, pushed all the way by Tim Van Berkel and Sam Appleton, with the trio swapping the lead on numerous occasions throughout the run.
“I expect nothing less than the 2023 battle on Sunday,” said McKenna. “I wish it was a sure thing when you win races, but I predict we'll all once again go to dark places battling each other right until the end, then catch up for a beer after the race.”
For Tim Van Berkel IRONMAN Australia is a home race, with the 39-year-old also having great results in Port Macquarie, most recently a second in 2023 and a drought-breaking win the year before.
“I’m feeling good for an old fella,” said Van Berkel. “Looking forward to be heading back to Port Macquarie and lining up for IRONMAN Australia number eight. This weekend will be my 40th IRONMAN and I’m turning 40 next month. I love this race, I grew up watching it and did my first IRONMAN here back in 2007, it’s one race on the calendar that motivates me.”
Van Berkel also looks back on last year’s run battle fondly.
“Last year’s race was an epic battle between the boys and would love another showdown like that, it made for an exciting race,” he said. “I think the fans loved it and it’s a race I’ll never forget.”
US-based Aussie Sam Appleton has made the trip back from Colorado for IRONMAN Australia and is looking forward to lining up at home once again.
“I’m really excited for this race. I have been training really well over the last six weeks in the lead up and I am feeling confident in ability to execute a good race,” he said. “IRONMAN always throws a few curve balls your way, but I am excited to put all the work into action this weekend.
“The beginning of the year was somewhat tough with some illness but I have managed some really consistent work over March and April which has put me in a good spot fitness wise,” said Appleton. “I feel like I am in better shape than for this race last year, so I am hoping that translates to a better performance than last year.”
Appleton is expecting a tough battle at the front of the field on Sunday.
“Last year was a great battle with Steve and Tim for the podium slots. This year is shaping up to be just as excited with the three of us returning and then some others that have the ability to put out great performances too,” he said. “Mike Phillips from New Zealand is a threat in every race he starts, so he will also be one to watch, along with Henrik Goesch from Finland. Overall, it is a great group of guys and I am looking forward to the battle.”
Joining the top three seeds on the start list are the likes of former IRONMAN New Zealand champion Mike Phillips, professional cyclist turned triathlon Ben Hill, Finland’s Henrik Goesch and Kiwi Matt Kerr.
Sunday’s event will be the 37th running of IRONMAN Australia, with athletes heading from across Australia and around the world to take on the iconic event, culminating with the famous IRONMAN finish line on Port Macquarie’s Town Green.
Athletes taking on IRONMAN Australia will contest a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run, with those racing IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie facing a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run.
IRONMAN Australia and IRONMAN 70.3 Port Macquarie are supported proudly by the NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
More on IRONMAN Australia can be found at www.ironman.com/im-australia
IRONMAN Australia – Professional Men’s Start List
- Steve McKenna - AUS
- Tim Van Berkel – AUS
- Sam Appleton – AUS
- Mike Phillips – NZL
- Ben Hill – AUS
- Henrik Goesch – FIN
- Matt Kerr – NZL
- Brett Clifford – NZL
- Scott Harpham – NZL
- Matt Lewis – AUS
- Nathan Miller – AUS
- Nathan Dortmann – AUS
- Kyle Tremayne - AUS