Day one of the 2022 Hawaii Ironman World Championships was a historic first, as the pro women—along with age-group women and some male age groupers—were given their own day to race. And the pros didn’t disappoint with some of the closest head-to-head racing the Big Island has ever seen.
At the end of the day, Kona rookie, mom, and American Chelsea Sodaro wrote her name in the history books by becoming the first American woman to win IMWC in over a quarter of a century. Behind her, Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR) added another second-place IMWC finish to her resume (her fourth) and Germany’s Anne Haug rounded out the podium in third.
Check out our pro women’s gallery below to see how the action unfolded.
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Pro women waded into the warm waters of Kailua Bay for an early 6:25am HT start. With no male pros or age-groupers starting in proximity, the women’s field had no one in the water and on the roads except themselves ahead.
Germany’s Anne Haug stands at the water’s edge.
The women exit the water next to the pier before heading out into transition.
Swimmers battle the choppy waters of Kailua Bay.
Sarah True (USA) swims through the waters. Unfortunately True would end up withdrawing from the race on the bike.
American Chelsea Sodaro exits the water in eight place, 3:50 down from swim leader, Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR).
Daniela Ryf (SUI) exits the water in 12th place, 6:54 down from the leader.
Ruth Astle (GBR) heads out on the bike.
Elisabetta Curridori of Italy grabs her bike and heads out of T2.
Ten-time world champion, Daniela Ryf (SUI) cools off during the bike.
Athletes rode in relatively calm conditions out on the IWC bike course.
Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR) stands up and passes Fenella Langridge (GBR).
Chelsea Sodaro (USA) tucks and pushes along the bike course.
American Chelsea Sodaro moments after making her move, passing Lucy Charles-Barclay (GBR) and taking the lead.
Daniela Ryf (SUI) and Fenella Langridge (GBR) run side by side.
Anne Haug (GER) moving her way up in the heat.
American Skye Moench running her way into an eventual ninth-place finish.
American Chelsea Sodaro wins the 2022 Hawaii Ironman World Championship.