What does it take to go from Olympic rejection to becoming the fastest woman to ever win Ironman Kona?

This week on The Runna Podcast, we’re joined by Lucy Charles-Barclay, the 2023 Ironman World Champion and Kona course record holder.

From missing out on the 2012 Olympics as a competitive swimmer and being rejected for a British pro triathlon licence, to finishing 2nd at Ironman Kona four times before finally claiming the crown—Lucy’s story is the definition of mental resilience.

We unpack:

 🥇 Winning Kona in the fastest time ever and in the strongest female field in history

🔥 Her brutal six-week Kona prep - spending lonely 15-hour weeks on the bike indoors, climate training, and 5am swims

🥈 What it taught her to finish second, again and again, before finally taking the crown

💪 Running the Kona Ironman marathon with a torn calf

🧠 Her “mindset of steel” and why she’s proud of the journey, not just the result

🏊‍♀️ Essential tips for the swim leg of a triathlon

Lucy’s journey is one of rejection, resilience, and the kind of mindset that wins world titles - on the fifth attempt, in record time, with a torn calf. 

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