Kyle Smith Takes on the Best at 2022 IRONMAN World Champs

Friday 30 September 2022

Taupo triathlete Kyle Smith will compete in the sport’s most iconic single-day endurance event next week when the 2022 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship returns to Kona, Hawai`i. 

The 25-year-old will take on his second World Championship within the year after finishing 11th on debut at the 2021 edition in St. George, Utah in May.

That race was only Smith’s second over the full distance and though leading the field off the bike, the inexperienced athlete faded on the run and hopes to implement his strategy better in Kona. 

“The 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in St. George was a great confidence builder,?leading off the bike and onto the first part of the run was amazing. Unfortunately, the day didn't?go to plan, and I struggled the back half of the run. I will be putting?what I learnt there into the Kona race and hopefully not fading as hard in the back half of the?race,” said Smith. 

“A lot of it came down to pacing?and strategy. I definitely?burnt a few matches where?I couldn't?afford to do so I'm hoping in Kona that I can keep a more level head and execute?the?best race possible,” he said. 

Smith will be hoping to put a frustrating year of racing and illness behind him when he heads into the water at Kailua Bay on Saturday 8 October, knowing he has the potential to disrupt the race favourites on his day. 

“I'm not going to lie, it's been tough. Getting COVID at the start of August and then returning to training too hard left me pretty overdone and fatigued,” said Smith. “Success is literally?finishing the race and knowing I did?what I know I'm capable of. This season has been massively frustrating having performances way below my ability?level and not knowing why or how this was happening. 

“Obviously,?the Norwegians?are super strong and to watch out for. I think a dark horse could be Magnus Ditlev, Collin Chartier and I mean, hopefully myself,” he said. 

Smith is also backing fellow Kiwi Braden Currie in Kona. The Wanaka triathlete finished third at the 2021 IRONMAN World Championship in May and was leading the race alongside Smith on the bike and deeper into the run before being overtaken by the Norwegian Olympic champion and eventual IRONMAN World Champion Kristian Blummenfelt, and the fast-finishing Canadian Lionel Sanders. 

“I really think Braden is one to watch out for. He's done well here before and is great in these conditions. He's now got all three disciplines dialled and if he can use patience, will be one to watch out for in the race,” said Smith.  

“That was super special to be leading the World Champs with Braden. Unfortunately, I faded massively but it would be amazing to fly the flag further into the race and hopefully to the finish line in Kona.”  

Tune into live race-day coverage of the 2022 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon globally via IRONMAN Now™ available on Facebook Watch, YouTube and Twitch.

For more information about the 2022 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship event, please visit
www.ironman.com/im-world-championship.

IRONMAN Triathlon


Coming Triathlon Events View all

    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

03

Dec

2023

Patagonman

Puerto Chacabuco, Chile

Website Google Map YouTube

03

Dec

2023

HercUlean Triathlon

Konark, Puri, India

Website Google Map YouTube

09

Dec

2023

Fodaxman

Nova Veneza State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Website Google Map YouTube

02

Feb

2024

Saharaman

Taghit, Béchar, Algeria

Website Google Map YouTube

01

Mar

2024

Challenge Israman

Eilat, Israel

Website Google Map YouTube

14

Apr

2024

Strongman

Miyakojima, Okinawa, Japan

Website Google Map

27

Apr

2024

Challenge Taiwan

Taitung City, Taiwan, China

Website Google Map YouTube

11

May

2024

FrenchMan

Carcans, France

Website Google Map YouTube

11

May

2024

Himalayan Xtreme

Pokhara, Nepal

Website Google Map YouTube

25

May

2024

Grizzlyman Xtri

Beskydy, Czech Republic

Website Google Map
    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

03

Dec

2023

Ironman Western Australia

Busselton, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

02

Mar

2024

Ironman New Zealand

Taupo, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

21

Apr

2024

Ironman African Championship

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Website Google Map YouTube

27

Apr

2024

Ironman Texas

The Woodlands, Texas, United States

Website Google Map

05

May

2024

Ironman Australia

Port Macquarie, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

18

May

2024

Ironman Lanzarote

Canary Islands, Spain

Website Google Map YouTube

19

May

2024

Ironman Florianopolis

Florianopolis, Brazil

Website Google Map

02

Jun

2024

Ironman Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany

Website Google Map YouTube

09

Jun

2024

Ironman Philippines

Subic Bay, Philippines

Website Google Map YouTube

16

Jun

2024

Ironman France

Nice, France

Website Google Map YouTube
    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

02

Dec

2023

HercUlean Half

Udaipur, India

Website Google Map YouTube

03

Dec

2023

Clash Daytona

Daytona, FL, United States

Website Google Map YouTube

10

Dec

2023

Challenge Salinas

Salinas, Ecuador

Website Google Map

16

Dec

2023

Rotorua Suffer

Rotorua, New Zealand

Website Google Map

17

Dec

2023

BergMan 113 Kolhapur

Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Website Google Map YouTube

07

Jan

2024

Alpha Win Sarasota

Sarasota, FL, United States

Website Google Map YouTube

20

Jan

2024

Tauranga Half

Tauranga, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

10

Feb

2024

Half Camino de la Costa

Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina

Website Google Map

17

Feb

2024

Tweed Coast Enduro

Pottsville NSW, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

17

Feb

2024

Challenge Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube
    Visit website Google Map Become a fan on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Watch us on YouTube

03

Dec

2023

70.3 Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Website Google Map YouTube

03

Dec

2023

70.3 Western Australia

Busselton, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

03

Dec

2023

70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta

Indian Wells La Quinta, United States

Website Google Map

08

Dec

2023

70.3 Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain

Website Google Map YouTube

09

Dec

2023

70.3 Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

Website Google Map YouTube

10

Dec

2023

70.3 Florida

Haines City, Florida, United States

Website Google Map

07

Jan

2024

70.3 Pucon

Pucon, Chile

Website Google Map

04

Feb

2024

70.3 Tasmania

Hobart, TAS, Australia

Website Google Map YouTube

17

Feb

2024

70.3 Oman

Muscat, Oman

Website Google Map YouTube

18

Feb

2024

70.3 Bangsaen

Bangsaen, Thailand

Website Google Map

Triathlon News & Media Blogs View all

Bækkegard, Visser Take Inaugural Wins at Challenge Canberra

Bækkegard, Visser Take Inaugural Wins at Challenge Canberra

Sunday 26 Nov 2023 [Triathlon News]

Australia’s capital city played host to some of the biggest names in the sport this weekend with Daniel Bækkegard (DEN) and Els Visser (NED) taking the inaugural Challenge Canberra wins in a thrilling day of racing. Set against the backdrop of Parliament House, the swim saw Michael Boult (AUS) exit the water in the lead in 24:28 with the three athletes who would become the main players of the day just seconds behind him – Kurt McDonald (AUS), Bækkegard and Caleb Noble. McDonald took an early lea more

Inaugural CHALLENGE Canberra Gears Up with Stunning Pro Field

Inaugural CHALLENGE Canberra Gears Up with Stunning Pro Field

Friday 24 Nov 2023 [Triathlon News]

It may be the first edition of Challenge Canberra, but this coming weekend it will kick off with a superb pro field. A great battle is expected in both the women's and men's races, with Fenella Langridge and Daniel Bækkegård as the top seeds. Fenella Langridge has had a great season so far, finishing seventh at The Championship this season, fourth at Challenge Roth, second in South Africa and also picking up a blistering victory at Challenge London. more

CHALLENGE Gallipoli Set to Take Athletes on a Race Through History in 2024

CHALLENGE Gallipoli Set to Take Athletes on a Race Through History in 2024

Thursday 23 Nov 2023 [Triathlon News]

A course steeped in ancient and modern history, surrounded by outstanding natural beauty is the latest Challenge Family destination with today’s announcement of Challenge Gallipoli on Türkiye’s Gelibolu Peninsula on 2 June 2024. more

Emma Pallant retains, while Javier Gomez makes statement comeback at 70.3 Mossel Bay

Emma Pallant retains, while Javier Gomez makes statement comeback at 70.3 Mossel Bay

Monday 20 Nov 2023 [Triathlon News]

The harbour town of Mossel Bay in South Africa’s Western Cape today hosted the second edition of ISUZU IRONMAN 70.3® Mossel Bay African TriClub Championship. The day saw Javier Gomez (ESP) claim victory in a time of 03:51:46 in his IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon comeback. Reigning champion, Bradley Weiss IZAF), unfortunately withdrew from the race during the bike portion, having mentioned he felt unwell earlier in the week. more

IRONMAN Cozumel MEX Pro Preview

IRONMAN Cozumel MEX Pro Preview

Friday 17 Nov 2023 [Triathlon News]

Cozumel is not only a beach-goer's paradise, but it’s also a seasoned IRONMAN host city. Off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the area has over 14 miles of reefs for exploring, plus archaeological ruins, a national park, and endless expanses of turquoise water and white sandy beaches. The swim is an in-water start in the sea and finishes at CHANKANAAB park beach. The bike course starts and finishes at the CHANKANAAB park, more

Twitter


Facebook


YouTube


Sign up for FREE NEWSLETTER:

We will never share your email address or spam you.