There is nothing quite like the finish line at the Ironman World Championship, especially if you’re one of the fortunate few who come across the line with a top finish. A look at some of the pro finishes from last weekend’s race in Kona.
After two years away from the podium, Jan Frodeno is back and crosses the line first …… taking his third title in a record-setting 7:51:13.A sub-8 hour day, a runner up finish – there is lots to smile about for Tim O’Donnell.O’Donnell is greeted at the finish line by wife Mirinda Carfrae and daughter Isabelle.An exhausted Sebastian Kienle got to the line in third …… 48 seconds ahead of a fast-running Ben Hoffman (2:43:08 marathon split).Cam Wurf continues his steady climb up the Kona standings with fifth.A podium finish … that’s worth a smile.The first German to take three Ironman world titles … Also worth a smile.It wasn’t his best finish in Kona (he was sixth last year), but an emotional Matt Russell celebrates getting to the line.In his first Kona appearance, two-time Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee struggled in the marathon and would finish 21st …… one spot ahead of Lionel Sanders.After being off for much of the year with an injury, Sanders bounced back to qualify for Kona, but struggled over the last half of the marathon,Anne Haug makes it a German double …… Taking the women’s title after a blazing 2:51 marathon.A champ between two champs – holding the tape was 1997 champion Heather Fuhr (left) and eight-time Kona champ Paula Newby-Fraser.After leading through the swim and the bike, Lucy Charles-Barclay takes second …… her third straight runner-up finish at the Ironman World Championship.Sarah Crowley gets to the podium again – she was third in 2017 and sixth last year.An impressive Kona debut for Laura Philipp, who takes fourth.Heather Jackson smiles her way across the line in fifth.Kaisa Sali ends her career with sixth.The podium – first there are trophies and watches …… Then its time for champagne.A sprint finish – Corinne Abraham runs a 2:59 marathon and passes Carrie Lester in the last 10 m.
