Ironman Steve McKenna sets sights on world championships after ‘challenging’ year

After multiple setbacks, this South Australian triathlete is nearing the top of his game and will take on the world’s best this weekend.

A star South Australian triathlete will go head-to-head with the best in the business – including a legendary Olympic gold medallist – this weekend as he sets his sights on the 2022 world championships.

Steve McKenna, 30, only started racing seven years ago but has quickly become one of the most successful Australian athletes in the sport in recent years.

McKenna has won multiple SA Triathlete of the Year titles since starting competition, and just last month finished second to Australian champion Sam Appleton at the Ironman 70.3 Geelong race.

After mainly competing within Australia during the pandemic, the world no. 55 decided to put his name forward for the California Oceanside Ironman 70.3 event this Saturday – a 1.9km swim, 90km ride and 21.1km run.

Steve McKenna crosses the line. Picture: Korupt Vision

McKenna said he always believed he could reach the top level but the last year had also been a tough one to balance.

“I always did think it would happen. I always had belief in my ability I just didn’t know how long it would take to get to race against the best,” McKenna said.

“It’s been challenging and I’m probably a bit less prepared than most of my other races purely because I’ve had some injuries and my partner Lauren and I have had a seven-month-old to raise.”

Names like two-time Olympic gold medallist Alistair Brownlee, Americans Ben Kanute and Sam Long, Canadian Lionel Sanders and fellow Australian Sam Appleton will all compete in the 60-man event on Saturday.

McKenna was confident he could take it to the top-tier talent in the field.

Defending Ironman triathlon champions Steve McKenna and Ellie Salthouse at Steampacket Gardens ahead of the Geelong Ironman 70.3 last month. Picture: Mark Wilson

“I’m still fit and strong, and the plan is to prove that I do belong at this level,” McKenna said.

“I finished second to Brownlee in Geelong so I know I can get close to that level and I want to use this race as a measuring stick to see how close I can get to the top guys.”

With the Ironman world championships to be held in the USA just a month from now, McKenna was set on making the event.

He said the opportunity to head to America and compete for the next month was one he had to take.

“Just being apart from the girls is really hard, and it does cost a lot of money but it’s a necessary investment to get where I want to be,” McKenna said.

“I’m not afraid to say I want to be a world champion. That’s why I’m here now and putting myself up against the best names in the world.”