For years, Lotte Wilms has been close – three times she finished third in Busselton, always within striking distance yet never quite on top. But today the Dutch star finally claimed the victory that had eluded her, and she did it in the most commanding fashion imaginable. At Ironman Western Australia, Wilms wasn’t just the winner; she was untouchable from start to finish.
A Masterclass From the Gun
Wilms set the tone immediately in the water. Known for her front-pack swim strength, she surged to the lead within minutes and never relinquished control. Clocking an exceptional 48:09, she hit T1 first, with Britain’s Sophia Green hanging on just behind. Fenella Langridge – who would later withdraw – and Hannah Munday trailed by about a minute.
On the bike, Green managed to stay with Wilms only briefly. Once the Dutch athlete settled into her aerodynamic position and switched on the turbo, the gap began to stretch relentlessly. Kilometre by kilometre, Wilms powered away, turning the race into a solo exhibition of discipline, strength and sheer class.
By T2, the damage was enormous: a staggering 13:34 advantage over Chloe Hartnett, with Kate Curran, Alanis Siffert, Sophia Green and Els Visser even further behind. None of them could come close to the pace Wilms was laying down.
A Victory Never in Doubt
The marathon offered no relief to the chasers. Wilms ran with calm confidence, never showing signs of fading and never giving her rivals the slightest opening. Her performance was a study in composure: steady, efficient, and absolutely secure.
With splits of 48:09 (swim), 4:29:23 (bike) and 3:07:06 (run), Wilms stopped the clock at 8:30:50, earning a brilliant and long-awaited Ironman victory.
Kate Curran claimed second in 8:44:50, while Anne-Sophie Pierre completed the podium in 8:46:48.