Open
2nd
1st
2023 Ironman 70.3 Dubai
3rd
1st
2023 Ironman 70.3 Texas
2nd
2nd
2023 Ironman 70.3 St. George
4th
1st
2023 Ironman 70.3 World Championship
2nd
1st
2024 Ironman 70.3 Dubai
3rd
1st
2024 Ironman 70.3 Texas
2nd
1st
2024 Ironman Texas
2nd
Matthews’ 8:38:49 finish time is the fastest ever by a female in an Ironman-branded race, beating the previous record of 8:39:49 set by Lucy Charles-Barclay at Ironman South Africa in 2022. Her 2:42:06 run split is the fastest marathon ever in an Ironman-branded race, beating the previous record of 2:42:32 set by Paula Newby-Fraser at Ironman New Zealand in 1994.
“I just kept telling myself, ‘You’re doing it, you’re doing it,’” Matthews said. “I was trying to get my head around the fact that I was running through the front of a race, and that doesn’t happen to me very often.”
Matthews’ win in Texas is her first Ironman victory and her first win over Knibb. It’s a huge breakthrough for the British athlete, who has been on the cusp of a major win for years.
As for Knibb, she may have been caught this time, but her incredible bike prowess and all-around talent make her a force to be reckoned with in every race she enters. The Matthews vs. Knibb rivalry is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what these two fierce competitors do next.
Knibb, known for her Olympic-distance prowess, surprised many in the triathlon world with her strong performance at Kona. She followed up with a second-place finish at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship and a win at the T100 San Francisco in 2024. Her performance at Ironman Texas, where she led for most of the race before being overtaken by Matthews, solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in long-course racing.
With both Matthews and Knibb pushing each other to new heights, the women’s professional triathlon scene is more competitive and exciting than ever. Fans can look forward to more thrilling races and record-breaking performances in the years to come.
Matthews and Knibb’s rivalry is reminiscent of past greats in the sport, such as the battles between Wellington and Ryf. It’s a testament to the talent and determination of these athletes that they continue to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in the world of Ironman racing.