Moments That Show Why Women in Sport Matter
Ironman New Zealand delivered powerful reminders of strength, leadership, and inspiration just one day before International Women's Day.
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Along the course in Taupō, a young girl stood wrapped in a red towel, cheering as Kat Matthews ran past.
For a brief moment, the scene captured something larger than the race. It captured a world-class athlete pushing forward with focus and determination, and a young fan watching with complete amazement.
The moment lasted only seconds. Yet it is exactly why women in sport matter.
This weekend at Ironman New Zealand, Kat Matthews delivered the most dominant performance of the day, crossing the line in 8:28:55 and breaking the previous course record by more than 11 minutes.
But what unfolded across the women’s race was about more than a winning time. It was a reminder of the strength, resilience, and leadership women bring to sport.
Tamara Jewett: Relentless Forward Progress
Canadian Tamara Jewett began the marathon nearly 21 minutes behind the leaders when she exited T2. For many athletes, the race might have felt over. But for Jewett, it was only beginning.
With calm determination, she began to close the gap, running with her trademark form and relentless focus. By the time she reached the finish line, Jewett had delivered the fastest women’s marathon of the day – a remarkable 2:42:40 that shattered the run course record.
To put that performance into perspective, Jewett’s run ranked as the fifth fastest marathon among all professional athletes, men and women combined.
Step by step she moved through the field, securing fourth place and the final qualifying spot for the Ironman World Championship in Kona.
Champions at the Finish Line
New Zealand’s Hannah Berry also delivered a memorable performance on home soil, finishing second and achieving a personal best sub-three hour marathon.
But the race stories didn’t end at the finish line.
Long after their own races had ended, both Matthews and Berry returned to welcome age-group athletes completing their Ironman journeys. The moments that followed reflected something powerful about women in sport.
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Matthews embraced competitors crossing the line and celebrated their achievements. Berry surprised athletes by presenting them with their medals as they completed their race. One athlete, overwhelmed by the moment, was left in tears.
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Inspiring the Next Generation
After racing for 8 hours and 28 minutes, Matthews also took the time to greet the fans who had been cheering along the course all day.
Among them was a young girl holding out a notepad. Matthews paused, signed it, and shared a brief moment the young fan will likely remember for years.
It was a signature that represented something far greater than ink on paper.
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Honouring International Women’s Day
As the triathlon world celebrates these performances, the timing could not be more fitting. International Women’s Day arrives tomorrow. And days like Ironman New Zealand remind us exactly why it matters.
Because somewhere on the sidelines in Taupō, a young girl watched what strength looks like.
And perhaps one day she will stand on that same course wearing a race number of her own.
The Strong Girls Club is already growing.
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