Grabow becomes the oldest woman to complete an Ironman World Championship at 80 years old. Image: RNZ.
(The Post News)– Natalie Grabow, at 80 years old, made history as the oldest woman ever to finish the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
She discovered triathlon in her 60s, having previously been a runner. She qualified for this year’s championship by becoming the first woman in the 75-79 category to finish Ironman Maryland, where she posted a time of 15 hours and 53 minutes.
She focuses on the experience, stating that for age-groupers, it’s the “journey that matters” and that a positive attitude and happiness with one’s effort are more memorable than the final ranking. She races with “gratitude” for the ability to compete. Her coach, Michelle Lake, noted Grabow’s “resilience” and “disciplined” approach to training, adding that Grabow is competitive and even aims to beat the men in her age group.
Grabow Surpasses Ironman Hall of Famer Cherie Gruenfeld
Grabow’s performance surpassed the prior record held by Ironman Hall of Famer Cherie Gruenfeld, who was 78 when she completed Kona. Race organizers lauded Grabow as “an icon of endurance,” highlighting her determination and embodying the spirit that “age is just a number.”
In the professional women’s race, Norwegian debut athlete Solveig Lovseth won the World Championship in 8 hours, 28 minutes, and 27 seconds, followed by Britain’s Kat Matthews and Germany’s Laura Philipp. Over 1,700 other age-group athletes also finished the race under hot and humid conditions.
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