Swiss women make success of Ironman
Switzerland's Caroline Steffen has come second in the women’s division of the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, the legendary triathlon race.
Fellow Swiss Karin Thürig came sixth. The event was won by the Australian Mirinda Carfrae, who raced to her first Ironman title in 8.58.36. Steffen’s time was 9.06.00.
Steffen’s placing crowns a very successful season, which included second place in the Ironman Germany and the ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships title.
“My aim was to be in the top ten,” said Steffen, adding she was extremely pleased with her result. The triathlete, who now lives and trains in Australia, wins $55,000 (SFr53,000).
Thürig’s sixth place equalised her best result in the World Championship of 2003. The professional race cyclist also broke the 17-year-old course cycling record by eight seconds.
The Swiss men has less success. Of the three competitors, only the four-time Ironman Switzerland winner Ronnie Schildknecht made it to the end of the race, coming in 15th place. Australian Chris McCormack won the event, making it an Australian double.
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