Terenzo Bozzone returns to racing with a win at Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney
Nearly five months following a horrific crash, Bozzone wins Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney
Nearly five months following a crash, Terenzo Bozzone returned to racing on Nov. 25, 2018, at Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. His return to competition was nothing short of remarkable, one that concluded with a victory.
The professional men’s field at Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney, included a wealth of Australian talent. For Bozzone, his main competition would come from Sam Appleton, an 11-time 70.3 champion, and one of the pre-race favourites going into the race.
Bozzone and Appleton came out of the water one-two, and the two broke away from the rest field on the bike. Leaving T2, Appleton was right with Bozzone, but Bozzone pulled away in the half marathon to win the 2018 Ironman 70.3 Western Sydney event.
Men’s Podium
- Terenzo Bozzone 3:43:26
- Sam Appleton 3:45:38
- Casey Munro 3:53:26
Women’s Podium
- Radka Kahlefeldt 4:12:25
- Hannah Wells 4:16:44
- Grace Thek 4:19:35
Bozzone’s journey back to competition has been marked with many highs and lows. On June 3, 2018, in Kumeu, New Zealand, Bozzone was struck by a truck while training on his bike. The five-time world champion sustained a number of injuries in the crash, including a broken eye socket, concussion and multiple wounds to his body.
Related: Update on Terenzo Bozzone’s injuries
On July 12, 2018, Bozzone had facial surgery to repair a broken cheekbone. The operation required three titanium plates to be placed in his face. A wire was also inserted into his hand to help mend a broken bone.
After three months of rehab, Bozzone made the trip to Hawaii with the hopes of competing at the 2018 Ironman World Championship. However, just three weeks away from the championships, Bozzone decided to withdraw from the race to regain his health and fitness.
Now back competing, Bozzone is grateful for all the support and is ready to take on 2019.