Published October 23, 2017 05:22PM
2017 Kona Champion's Gallery: Daniela Ryf
Switzerland's Daniela Ryf says that her third Ironman world title was her toughest victory ever.
She narrowly missed the 3-hour marathon mark, posting a 3:00:02 run split. Photo: Paul Phillips/Competitive Image
Switzerland’s Daniela Ryf says that her third Ironman world title was her toughest victory ever. Ryf came out of the water in 53:10 as part of the main group behind super swimmers Lucy Charles (GBR) and Lauren Brandon (USA). From there, the chase was on but Ryf struggled to get close to the fast-riding duo out front. It wasn’t until she made a decisive move, making up over five minutes in less than 25 miles, turning in a race-best 4:53:10 bike split, and starting the run with a 40-second lead over Charles in second. Ryf led the marathon from start to finish, posting a 3:00:02 marathon to cross the line in 8:50:47. Read the race recap