Australian and New Zealand Men Ready for Kona's Ironman World Championship

At this year’s Mens's Ironman World Champs in Kona, Hawai’i, Australia and New Zealand’s top athletes are primed for the challenge ahead. The competition is intense, the conditions fierce and these athletes are setting themselves up for one of the toughest races of the year. Representing Australia, Matt Burton, Cameron Wurf, Steve McKenna, Nick Thompson, and Sam Appleton join New Zealand’s Braden Currie, Mike Phillips and Ben Hamilton to test themselves against the world’s best.

Matt Burton: From Crisis to Comeback

For Perth’s Matt Burton, this year’s return to Kona is more than just another race. It’s a story of resilience. Burton, who was second at Ironman Western Australia last December and then claimed victory at the Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship in Cairns, faced a major setback this past January when an infection in his right foot nearly sidelined him for good. Facing multiple surgeries, Burton recalls a moment when he was told he might lose his foot. Yet, the 36-year-old not only recovered but fought his way back to racing form.

Reflecting on the journey, Burton shared, “Everyone faces challenges when pushing their limits. This year was unexpected, a day-by-day approach.” His focus has shifted from just qualifying to being fully present in each race, appreciating the moment. “It’s so great to be in Kona again, embracing what it represents,” he said. For Burton, this year’s World Championship is as much a personal triumph as a professional goal.

Cameron Wurf: Seven Times to Kona

Cameron Wurf is no stranger to the Ironman World Championship, marking his seventh entry in Kona this year. Inspired by Greg Welch’s performances in the ‘90s, Wurf’s journey to Kona has been a decades-long dream. “Kona is iconic. Greg Welch put it on the map for my generation,” Wurf said. Growing up, triathlon wasn’t his focus, but he was captivated by Welch’s determination.

For Wurf, Kona isn’t just another race. It’s the event that defines his career. “It took almost 30 years to get here for the first time, but this course keeps pulling me back. This event is what gets me out of bed each morning,” he explained. Wurf’s approach is clear-cut: compete as hard as he can in what he considers the pinnacle of triathlon.

Steve McKenna: Embracing the Moment

Making his Kona debut, Adelaide’s Steve McKenna is not letting the pressure overwhelm him. Having claimed his spot after a strong performance at Ironman New Zealand in March, McKenna has taken a relaxed approach to the race. “I’m treating it as just another race because I plan to be here for more World Championships in the years to come,” he said. Rather than letting the weight of the event add stress, McKenna has decided to prioritize enjoyment, believing that staying relaxed will yield the best results.

“Life is too short to stress constantly. I’ve made it a point to enjoy every part of this journey,” McKenna noted, adding that he wants to look back on his Kona experience with a smile. His goal is clear: to focus on the race itself, let go of expectations, and savor the experience.

Nick Thompson: Steady Growth and Big Goals

At just 24, Nick Thompson, the youngest Australian debuting in Kona, has already made an impression in the triathlon world. Thompson qualified with a strong showing at Ironman Western Australia last December and has been steadily building his resume, including a breakthrough win at Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast in 2023. Approaching his first World Championship, he recognizes that the competition will be fierce, with the world’s top triathletes aiming to make early statements on the swim and bike legs.

“I expect to see some big names trying to assert themselves early, but my plan is to stay with experienced athletes who will help me set the right pace on the bike,” Thompson explained. He’s confident in his swimming and has a measured approach to the bike segment, hoping to hold his own in the early stages and conserve energy for the run.

Sam Appleton: Poised for a Comeback

Sam Appleton arrives in Kona with high hopes after finishing 36th last year. This season has been a comeback of sorts for the 33-year-old, who secured his World Championship slot by winning Ironman Australia. For Appleton, this year’s race holds special significance, as his mother, a former Kona competitor herself, has been a significant inspiration.

“Winning in Port Macquarie was huge for me, especially with family and friends there. After a challenging end to last year, coming back to win in 2024 felt even sweeter,” Appleton said. He’s confident that he’s in better shape, both physically and mentally, compared to last year and is eager to see how this preparation translates on race day.

Braden Currie: A Veteran’s Last Hurrah in Kona

Braden Currie is no newcomer to Kona. With six World Championships under his belt, the Kiwi triathlete from Wanaka is more focused than ever, considering that this might be his last time competing on the Kona course before the championship moves to Nice next year. Currie’s year has been a whirlwind of racing, having competed across three continents, including twice in America.

“The preparation has gone well. I’ve had a solid 10-week block in Noosa, working hard since Frankfurt. I’m injury-free and ready to race,” Currie shared. With the future of the World Championship uncertain, Currie sees this as a final chance to make his mark on the Kona course, recalling his podium finish at the 2021 World Championship in St. George, Utah. “I know I have what it takes to perform at this level. It’s all about putting everything together,” he said.

Mike Phillips: In Peak Form

Mike Phillips, another Kiwi athlete, is also a familiar face on the global stage, with a full season of racing behind him. With careful preparation, Phillips has focused on building consistency and avoiding injury, giving him a sense of confidence heading into Kona. “This season’s been packed, but my body’s held up well. I’m feeling stronger as the season progresses,” he explained. For Phillips, representing New Zealand and his team at Kona is the ultimate honor.

“Just being here is a privilege. It’s the race every triathlete dreams of, and it’s amazing to line up against the best,” he said. Phillips has spent the past few months in Europe, focusing on heat adaptation and balancing intense training with adequate recovery.

Ben Hamilton: From Cycling Dreams to Kona

Ben Hamilton, the third New Zealander on the starting list, is making his Kona debut. Just 16 months into his professional career, Hamilton qualified with a podium finish at Ironman New Zealand in March and arrives with fresh motivation after a win at Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast. Reflecting on his journey, Hamilton said, “It’s surreal. I finished school wanting to be a professional cyclist, but triathlon has become my passion. Kona is the ultimate stage, and I’m excited to be here.”

Hamilton has dedicated a significant portion of his training to heat adaptation, arriving early in Hawai’i to get acclimated to the demanding conditions. He acknowledges that Kona’s brutal course will be a test of endurance, but his recent successes give him confidence.

“Sunshine Coast was a confidence booster, especially after some disappointing performances,” he explained. For Hamilton, racing in Kona is a privilege, and he’s ready to see where he stands among the world’s best.

The Road Ahead

As they prepare for the gruelling 3.8km swim, 180km ride and 42.2km run, each of these athletes brings a unique story and an individual approach to the race. For Matt Burton, it’s a comeback from adversity. For Cameron Wurf, it’s about legacy. Steve McKenna and Nick Thompson, racing their first World Championship, are eager to make their mark, while Sam Appleton is out to prove he’s in top form. Braden Currie and Mike Phillips return with experience and determination, while Ben Hamilton arrives with the zeal of a newcomer.

The lava fields of Kona will be an unforgiving backdrop as these blokes push themselves to the edge.