According to her Twitter account, three-time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington will open her season in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on April 10, 2011.

According to her Twitter account, three-time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington will race in Port Elizabeth, South Africa on April 10, 2011.

Wellington may be looking to break her Ironman record, which currently stands at 8:36:13. Photo: Paul Phillips
Wellington may be looking to break her Ironman record, which currently stands at 8:36:13. Photo: Paul Phillips

Wellington made the announcement in three tweets:

1. The first big race of the season will be…………………

2. ironman……….

3. South Africa!

Unlike every other professional competing in Ironman triathlon, Wellington’s decision has nothing to do with her qualification for the 2011 Ironman World Championship. Wellington became the first athlete to qualify by validating her spot with a finish (and a win) at the 2010 Ironman Arizona triathlon back in November.

Wellington made history at Ironman Arizona by crossing the finish line in a time of 8:36:13, breaking the record for the fastest Ironman completed by a female.