(light music)
- [Narrator] On September 1st, 2018,
arguably the best field of female athletes
to ever assemble at a Half-Ironman World Championship
came together in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The defending champion, Daniela Ryf,
has had a season like we've never seen before,
and came into the race seemingly unbeatable.
But, there were a few women that didn't see it that way.
Britain's Lucy Charles,
with her amazing swim-bike combo and proving run,
is the future of Ironman racing.
Second seed, and last years runner-up to Ryf, Emma Pallant,
confidently played the underdog role all week.
American, Sarah True, has firmly established herself
as one of the top long distance triathletes
in the world this year.
Albeit, not the most serious.
(upbeat music)
Hometown favorite, Jeanni Seymour,
has run down leads of over ten minutes
in her career and likely a dozen other athletes
were up to the challenge.
(yells in foreign language)
(heartbeat)
(gun shot)
(crowd cheers)
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
Isuzu Ironman 70.3 World Championship
here in Nelson Mandela Bay is a go, go, go.
Can you make some noise?
(crowd cheers)
(light pop music)
- [Narrator] As expected, Lucy Charles exited the water
almost a minute and a half ahead of a pack, including:
Daniela Ryf, Anne Haug, Sarah True, and Jeanni Seymour.
Emma Pallant was another minute and half back of that pack
but had super bikers, like Heather Wurtele,
to work with to get back up to that main chase pack.
(techno music)
Despite the lead Lucy Charles built in the swim,
she couldn't hold off Daniela Ryf's bike power,
getting passed before the turn around point.
But, surprisingly, managed to hang on to Ryf's pace.
The chase pack worked hard to bridge up to Ryf and Charles,
but the bike ended up being
the Daniela Ryf and Lucy Charles show.
Gaining an impressive lead on the road
and entering T2 just seconds apart from each other,
while leaving the rest of the field
seven and half minutes behind.
(light pop music)
Once on the run course, Daniela Ryf, had to fight hard
as Lucy pushed the defending champion into a painful spot
that she would have to hold if she wanted to
retain her title.
(techno music)
And in behind a pack of athletes
that included some of the best runners
in the field were charging forward
trying to get closer and closer
and inch themselves towards the defending champ
one stride at a time.
- [Announcer] 2018 Isuzu Ironman 70.3 World Champion,
here announced in Nelson Mandela Bay.
(crowd cheers)
For top Ironman 70.3 World Champion, please.
(crowd cheers)
In the end, Daniela Ryf, solidified her position
as the best female long distance triathlete
in the world winning her fourth
Half-Ironman World Championship
in a time of 4:01:13.
Lucy Charles came in second in 4:04:59.
And, Anne Haug stormed into third,
with the best run of the day, finishing in 4:07:22.
(upbeat music)
The women had a perfect day in what was likely
the most competitive Half-Ironman World Championship
in history.
The best in the world were pushed.
The next generation took another step forward.
And, athlete after athlete,
both pros and nearly the 2,500 age group women who raced,
tested themselves on a beautiful course
in a friendly city.
All becoming better versions of themselves in the process.
(light music)