American Ironman star Chelsea Sodaro set to make Australian debut at Ironman 70.3 Tasmania
A former Ironman world champion is looking forward to making her debut at the second annual Ironman 70.3 Tasmania event.
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American Ironman star Chelsea Sodaro says she is looking forward to making her Australian debut at Sunday’s Ironman 70.3 Tasmania event in Hobart.
The former world champion is set to be the headline act in the women’s professional field, with a new winner to be crowned after inaugural winner Ellie Salthouse elected not to return.
Sodaro made global headlines in October 2022 when she stormed to victory at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
The American was the first debutant since 2007 to claim the crown and she then went on to finish sixth at the 2023 World Championship.
The 34-year-old came to the sport of triathlon relatively late, only taking part in her first race in 2017, but quickly made her mark and worked her way up the rankings.
“I’m feeling well, I’m enjoying my time in this hemisphere and it will be great to take on the hills of Hobart soon,” Sodaro said.
“This will be my first time in Tasmania, I hear that it’s a stunning part of the world.”
With the northern hemisphere still in the middle of winter, Sodaro made the decision to head south to kick off 2024 and has been in New Zealand for the last few weeks.
“I wanted to get back to racing earlier this season and New Zealand and Australia provided that opportunity,” she said.
“I love the triathlon community and I expect Ironman 70.3 Tasmania to be a super fun event.
“I’m looking to test myself against awesome competition and see where I’m at this early in the season.”
While Sodaro won’t have the defending champion to contend with, last year’s runner up Grace Thek will be one hot on her heels after a strong showing last year.
The men’s race will also have a new winner with Tasmanian Jake Birtwhistle electing to focus on his Paris Olympics campaign over returning home to defend his title.
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