In this episode from the IRONMAN World Championship Kona, host Matt Lieto sits down with three remarkable athletes ahead of the Women’s IRONMAN World Championship: Skye Moench, Hannah Berry, and Stephanie Clutterbuck. 

 First, Skye Moench returns to the Big Island with a completely new perspective. Now a mother to her 11-month-old, she shares how her life has profoundly changed, shifting from an “obsessive” focus on results to a “freeing” sense of gratitude. Skye opens up about the challenging journey back to fitness postpartum and explains why her only goal is to cross the finish line, respecting what her body has been through. She also expresses her excitement for the women’s-only race and the special camaraderie she feels with fellow mothers on the course. 

 Next, New Zealand’s Hannah Berry discusses her steady progression at World Championship events, moving from 11th in Kona two years ago to 10th in Nice last year. Coming into this race with a smooth, injury-free build, Hannah talks about her love for the Hawaiian heat and humidity. She details her calculated racing style, which balances a data-driven plan with the crucial ability to race by feel—a strategy she believes is key to navigating the unpredictable dynamics of a championship race. 

 Finally, Stephanie Clutterbuck shares an incredibly powerful and inspiring story of resilience. She opens up about a terrifying year-long health battle that included a diagnosis of myocarditis (heart inflammation) and POTS, a condition that affects the nervous system. Stephanie explains how this journey has forced her to re-learn her body’s limits and adopt a more sensible, calculated approach to racing. For her, success on Saturday isn’t about a place, but about managing her condition, executing a smart race, and finishing with a strong second half of the marathon.