Triathlon revolution: From 2026, men and women will compete together!

Triathlon revolution: From 2026, men and women will compete together!

Kona, Hawaii, USA - Im Jahr 2026 werden Männer und Frauen wieder gemeinsam bei der Ironman-Weltmeisterschaft auf Hawaii antreten. Dies gab der Weltverband bekannt, nachdem die Trennung in Männer- und Frauen-Rennen 2023 zum letzten Mal durchgeführt wird. Männer werden im Jahr 2023 in Nizza starten, während die Frauen ihre Weltmeisterin traditionell auf Hawaii ermitteln. The originally planned rotation of the competitions for 2026 will no longer take place, which after years of controversial criticism of the previous mode does not come as a surprise. By 2019, both competitions in the legendary environment of Hawaii took place together, and the return to this format is expected by many in the triathlon community.

On October 14, 2023, the Ironman World Championship of women will take place, with the athletes swimming about the demanding long-distance triathlon dance of 3.8 km, 180 km cycling and a marathon over 42.195 km. Zu den Favoritinnen zählen Anne Haug und Laura Philipp, die beide intensiv für diesen Wettkampf trainiert haben. Haug, who triumphed in Kona in 2019 and has always come to the podium in the past four world championships, uses notes for optimal preparation for competition. Laura Philipp has also gained her experience in Hawaii and strives for a place on the podium after she was fourth two times. Bei ihrem letzten Auftritt hatte sie mit einer umstrittenen Zeitstrafe zu kämpfen.

Herausfordernde Bedingungen in Kona

Die Bedingungen für die Athletinnen in Kona sind bekannt für ihre Unberechenbarkeit. Swimming in the Pacific is often shaped by waves and currents, while the windy bike route and the heat as well as humidity in the marathon are additional challenges. The Iron Sports Community recognizes the competition as a myth because the conditions are extremely challenging and the athletes have to go to the limits of their performance.

The Ironman has developed significantly since its first host in 1978 and women have had a significant influence on this sport. With historical moments such as the introduction of prize money in the same amount for men and women in 1986, the way for equality was paved in competition. Of particular note are achievements, such as the first female finishing under nine hours by Paula Newby-Fraser in 1992 or the success of Daniela Ryf, who won its fifth Ironman World Cup in 2022.

Meilensteine der Frauen im Ironman

Im Laufe der Jahre hat die Ironman-Weltmeisterschaft nicht nur bedeutende Leistungen gefeiert, sondern auch Neuland betreten. Im Jahr 2023 fand die erste rein weibliche Weltmeisterschaft in Kona statt, die von Lucy Charles-Barclay gewonnen wurde. Dies zeigt, wie weit der Sport sich entwickelt hat und welche Errungenschaften die Frauen darin erreicht haben.

The return to a joint World Cup from 2026 will change the competition landscape in triathlon again and could significantly influence the atmosphere during the race. Many athletes and fans are enthusiastic about the idea of bringing the two genders together and thus experiencing the emotions and tensions of a joint event.

The competitions and developments in this sport will continue to be pursued in the future, while we will prepare for the joint championships from 2026.

For more information on the exciting developments in the triathlon area, you can do the articles from Laola1 , Sportschau as well as IRONMAN.com