It takes the world’s biggest stage in Triathlon to bring out the best traits, and that held true for Britain’s professional Triathlete, Holly Lawrence who dominated from start to end.

The 26-year-old’s youthful exuberance showed throughout the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Australia’s Sunshine Coast. Lawrence capped off an extremely successful year of racing with her signature gutsy style.

A jubilant Holly Lawrence declared, “I’m a frickin’ world champion!”.

Lauren Brandon led the women out of the water onto Mooloolaba Beach, with Holly Lawrence just 30 seconds back and the pack – Annabel Luxford, Leanda Cave, Daniela Ryf, and Caroline Steffen just over a minute behind.

Out onto the bike, Brandon managed to hold onto her lead until the first hill, when Lawrence used the opportunity to pull ahead. By the halfway point, a chase pack including Steffen, Cave, and Kaye, had allowed Lawrence to pad her lead by three minutes. Heather Wurtele put in time into the women all day to come off the bike in third.

Lawrence’s 1:21 run was enough to hold off the hard-charging Hauschildt, who used her impressive 1:18 half marathon to run her way into second. Wurtele pushed into the final place on the podium, while defending champion Daniela Ryf fought hard for fourth despite tired legs.

Australia’s best talent in Hauschildt mustered second place, while Sunshine Coast’s home favourite, Caroline Steffen finished in fifth.

“Racing at home was amazing. The crowd was fantastic, and they were all cheering my name,” Hauschildt said.

Top 10 Women

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