While many would be thrilled with an 11th-place finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship, for five-time champion Daniela Ryf that finish was any thing but thrilling. In an Instagram post the four-time Kona champion said that she’s going to take some time off to recover from “a rough few months.”
Last month Ryf woke up on race morning at the Collins Cup feeling unwell and was soundly beaten in the marquee match of the day by American Taylor Knibb. She went on to win Ironman Switzerland a week later, but never looked to be in form in St. George.
“Gave it all I had today,” she said in the instagram post. “Attacked a few times, but noone noticed. 11th place for me. Not what I came here for, but I am clearly not fit and healthy enough to keep up with the best at the moment. It’s been a rough few months with weird things happening to my body. That’s why its time for a break now and (to) give body and mind a proper rest for its full recovery.”
The classy athlete also praised Lucy Charles for her impressive race:
“Well done @lucycharles93 for an amazing performance today and achieving your first World Champion title. Well deserved.”
