News & Racing

Battle for the Crown: New Ironman Australia Female Champion to Emerge in Port Macquarie

Nine professional women, including top-seeded Radka Kahlefeldt and rising star Regan Hollioake, will battle for the Ironman Australia title on a challenging Port Macquarie course.

Shawn Smith

May 4, 2024 — 2 min read

The 37th edition of Ironman Australia is set to take place on Sunday, May 5th, in the scenic city of Port Macquarie. With a challenging course consisting of a 3.8km swim, 180km ride, and 42.2km run, the event will see nine female professionals vying for the title. The race promises to be an exciting one, as none of the contenders have previously stood on the top step of the podium at Ironman Australia.

With no previous Ironman Australia champions in the field, the stage is set for a new winner to emerge. Another storyline to watch is the performance of Regan Hollioake, who recently stepped up to the professional level and secured her spot at the Ironman World Championship in her first race as a pro.

Pre-Race Landscape

Contenders and Favorites

Radka Kahlefeldt from Wagga Wagga is the top-seeded female for Sunday's race, having finished second at the event last year and backed it up with an 18th place finish at her first VinFast IRONMAN World Championships appearance in Kona, Hawai'i. Kahlefeldt's strong all-round abilities make her the one to beat.

Dark Horses and Underdogs

Regan Hollioake, who recently turned professional, could surprise the field. She finished fourth at Ironman New Zealand in March, qualifying for the Ironman World Championship. American Dede Griesbauer, the oldest actively racing professional triathlete at 53, brings a wealth of experience to the race and could also make an impact.

Course and Conditions

The Ironman Australia course is known for its challenges, particularly the tough bike leg. The weather forecast indicates challenging conditions, which could influence race dynamics and tactics.

Potential Race Dynamics

Radka Kahlefeldt is expected to take the swim out hard, given her strength in all three disciplines. The challenging bike course could lead to some athletes struggling on the run, keeping the race interesting until the end.

Athletes to Watch

In addition to Radka Kahlefeldt, Regan Hollioake, and Dede Griesbauer, other athletes to watch include AFLW player turned professional triathlete Kate Gillespie-Jones, Kiwi Laura Armstrong, and Australians Laura Brown, Emily Donker, Danyella Eberle, and Laura Dennis.

Predictions and Expectations

While predicting the podium is always challenging, Radka Kahlefeldt is the favorite to take the title. However, the small but competitive field could lead to close racing and potential surprises.