Kat Matthews “proud” to be back on track with IRONMAN Texas win after early season setbacks

PTO World #9 Kat Matthews overcame the odds yet again at IRONMAN Texas on Saturday, as the British star took the title despite a bike penalty and losing all her nutrition on race day.

Additionally, the 33-year-old ran her way to victory just seven weeks after tearing her calf at the Miami T100 Triathlon World Tour, clocking an astonishing 3:00:15 marathon in The Woodlands.

Looking back on her race, Matthews was rightfully full of pride for her performance, and shared that she was made to work really hard for the victory over Australian rising star Penny Slater.

“I am really proud of the overall experience”

Recounting her race from start to finish, Matthews underlined her progress made in the water since last season and explained why she was prepared to push so hard on the bike.

“It was good enough [the race] and for the build that I had, I am really proud of the overall experience. I had a really great swim start, dropped slightly back and then ended up swimming on my own for most of it, but felt so good.

“Eventually, Jocelyn [McCauley] and Maja [Stage Nielsen] caught me, but I was five minutes behind them last year so this felt amazing.

“I was really excited for the bike and then again I had a good day. I had a strong will to push myself harder than I have over the past couple of years on the bike due to not knowing what my run was going to be like so I just committed to it.

“I lost all of my nutrition, which was another challenge to overcome, then a penalty for what I am told was drafting.

“I was really proud of my bike, even with a five minute rest and really committed after the penalty to show that I could tick off this big goal.

“I had a power target from Miami and I wanted to hold it for the 4 and a half hours, so I am really proud of that.” 

“I felt like my race was over”

After a strong swim-bike despite the setbacks, Matthews was anxious about her run leg post injury, and at one point even thought her race was over.

“Then on the run, for the first half I felt like I was flying, then suddenly my calf was gone and I felt like my race was over.

” I started walking, had a moment, then managed to control that anxiety and discomfort, walked every aid station.

“I really cannot believe I was able to hold off Penny Slater for second and I had to work so hard for this one.” 

Now qualified for both the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo and the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, Matthews is in a strong position looking ahead to the crux of the season.