Top Australian Pros Gear Up for Intense Competition at 2023 Ironman Australia
Ironman Australia will feature an exciting showdown between the country's leading professional athletes, with Tim Van Berkel potentially concluding his career at this highly-anticipated event.
Why it matters: Australia's top professional male and female triathletes will compete in the 2023 Ironman Australia race in Port Macquarie, showcasing their talent and endurance in a major event.
Setting the pace: The event will cover a 3.8km swim, 180km ride, and 42.2km run, attracting strong competitors such as defending champion Tim Van Berkel and multiple Ironman champion Kylie Simpson.
What they're saying:
Tim Van Berkel: "Last year's win was a huge career highlight for me."
Steve McKenna: "I’m feeling great, I’ve finally had another good run with no sickness since Ironman 70.3 Geelong."
Sam Appleton: "I’m really excited to race Ironman Australia, the preparation has gone really well."
Kylie Simpson: "I’m feeling fit and healthy leading into Australia, and excited to kick my season off in Port Macquarie."
By the numbers:
36th running of Ironman Australia
7 professional female athletes competing
17 professional male athletes competing
Between transition: This year's Ironman Australia will feature a new bike course, taking athletes west of Port Macquarie for the first time.
Through Time: Tim Van Berkel won the 2022 Ironman Australia, his first victory since 2016, while Kylie Simpson claimed the 2021 Cairns Ironman Asia-Pacific Championship and Ironman Western Australia titles.
The bottom line: The 2023 Ironman Australia is an important event for the professional triathletes including Tim Van Berkel who may close out his career at this event, making it a particularly significant day for him.
Ironman Australia – Men’s Professional Field
1 – Tim Van Berkel 2 – Steve McKenna 3 – Sam Appleton 4 – Nicholas Kastelein 5 – Matt Burton 6 – Mitch Kibby 9 – Brodie Gardner 10 – Tuan Chun Chang 11 – Nathan Dortmann 12 – Liam Duval 14 – Scott Harpham 15 – Benjamin Hill 16 – Matt Lewis 17 – Tyla Windham
Ironman Australia – Women’s Professional Field
21 – Kylie Simpson 22 – Radka Kahlefeldt 24 – Meredith Hill 25 – Sarah Thomas 26 – Fiona Moriarty 27 – Shannon Sutton 29 – Chino Iwabuchi