In the final pre-race episode from Kona, host Matt Lieto sits down with three more top contenders: the relaxed and ready India Lee, Kona rookie Solveig Løvseth, and defending IRONMAN World Champion Laura Philipp.

First, India Lee shares her dramatically different approach to this year's championship. Contrasting her current fun-loving, lighthearted mindset with the stress she felt at last year's race in Nice, she explains why surrounding herself with a great group of friends is key to her performance. As a Kona first-timer, her primary goal is to finish, embrace the experience, and learn as much as possible for the future.

Next, Solveig Løvseth discusses her incredible debut year in long-course triathlon. After a spontaneous decision to switch from short-course racing, she reflects on what she's learned from her first two IRONMAN events and how she has recovered from the grueling effort. With her coach Mikal Iden guiding her, Solveig is excited to be part of the sport's growth and hopes to execute her own patient race plan on Saturday.

Finally, defending World Champion Laura Philipp talks about the "very special" feeling of returning to Kona wearing bib number one. To avoid the burnout that can follow a championship season, she has raced a lighter, more strategic schedule this year, allowing her to arrive fresh and focused. Preparing for what she expects to be a "lonely chase race," Laura has also implemented a more rigorous heat-training protocol for the first time, hoping it will be the key to defending her title on the island.