Posted: June 23, 2004

Triathlon: Kiwi Karyn Ballance signs up for the new Ironman Western Australia

2002 Ironman New Zealand champion and four-time runner-up Karyn Ballance has become the first professional athlete to enter the Ironman Western Australia triathlon to be held in Busselton, WA on November 28, 2004.

New Zealand’s Ballance, who is married to champion triathlete Scott, the 1994 Ironman NZ men’s winner, took her first Ironman title at the Taupo event in 2002 after three consecutive second place finishes in 1999, 2000 and 2001. A consistent performer over the Ironman distance, Ballance again finished second in 2003 to Kiwi Jo Lawn, before illness hampered her preparation for the 2004 race where she placed 10th. Ballance also placed fourth at one of the biggest ultra-distance events in the world, the 2003 Quelle Challenge in Roth, Germany.

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished and popular athletes, Ballance is looking forward to challenging herself on a course that could arguably be one of the fastest in the world. With a virtually flat and wind-protected bike leg, the opportunity to produce a world-class time is a real possibility for the competitors.

“I was disappointed with my result in Taupo this year but my enthusiasm was regained with the thought of racing in Busselton. I am currently planning a two-week training stint in Noosa to escape the cold of our winter and help me prepare for the event. The course looks fast on paper but the reality is swimming 3.8km, riding 180km and running a marathon will be challenging no matter how flat the course is,” said Ballance from her home in Christchurch.

A $US50,000 purse is on offer for the professional athletes, keeping in line with all the major Ironman events in the world. Ironman WA expects to attract an exciting field of elite competitors from both Australia and abroad judging by recent enquiries.

The location of Busselton, WA offers an ideal location for an Ironman race with the swim taking place alongside the famous 2-kilometre Busselton Jetty. The bike leg will make its way through the Ludlow Tuart Forest National Park, while the marathon run takes place along the picturesque shores of Geographe Bay. With over 400 competitors already signed up to take the challenge, the event is proving to be a popular choice for Ironman athletes from around Australia. And with 34% of the entrants coming from overseas, the word is spreading about the newest Ironman race, which has 25 qualifying spots for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship held in Kona, Hawaii.

Entry is available online via www.ironmanwa.com until September 30, 2004.