Home > Age Group

VIDEO: Triathlete finishes two seconds before cutoff in emotional Ironman New Zealand finish

Age-grouper Suzanne Stokes proudly crossed the finish line of Ironman New Zealand with support from the crowds with just two seconds to spare.

Some of the most emotional moments at triathlons are when the last competitor crosses the finish line with the support of the community cheering them on along the finishing chute.

Age-grouper Suzanne Stokes, who raced in this weekend’s Ironman New Zealand, is being praised online for her determination to finish the race as the clock ticked and neared the 17 hour cutoff at midnight.

Stokes, who competes in the 55 to 59 age-group, looked physically exhausted and on the verge of collapsing she she ran down the finishing chute with just seconds to spare at Saturday’s race. In this video, she is seen being supported by race volunteers as she stumbles towards the finish line, before this year’s women’s champion Jocelyn McCauley and runner-up Laura Siddall carry her over the line.

Stokes’ official finishing time as the last and 1009th competitor to cross the line is 16:59:58.