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
