KAILUA-KONA — As the sun rises over Hualalai tomorrow morning, spectators will bear witness to a historic day in triathlon history, when it will be the women in the sport who take center stage.
For the first time in the history of the Hawaii Ironman World Championships, the iconic 140.6-mile distance will feature a dedicated all-women’s race. Saturday’s event will host over 2,500 female athletes from around the world made up of the top-tier professional and age-group triathletes.
Since its inception in 1978, this prestigious event has showcased incredible feats of endurance and goose-bump performances displayed by the world’s finest triathletes and tomorrow will be no different.
From the grueling 2.4-mile swim in the crystal-clear waters of Kailua Bay, to the hot and windy 112-mile bike course along Queen Kaahumanu Highway, to the scorching 26.2-mile run on Alii Drive and unforgiving lava fields, these female athletes will push their bodies to the limit in pursuit of the ultimate goal — to become an Ironman finisher.
As the competition promises to live up to the hype of featuring a day full of spectacular performances, I caught up with 10, out of the total of 11, Big Island female athletes during race week who shared their thoughts before the “big dance.”
1. Name: Skye Ombac
Age: 27
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
Occupation: 5th grade teacher at Kahakai Elementary School
No. of Kona IMs: 2nd Kona
Bib Number: 1817
Mantra: “I’ve done it before and I can do hard things.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I’m super excited! I feel like I’m getting to relive my dream again. It was an absolute perfect day last year and I was happy the entire time. For this year, I’m chasing that happiness again.”
2. Name: Carleigh Rittel
Age: 35
Occupation: Physical therapist
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
No. of Kona IMs: 1st Kona, 3-total IM finishes
Bib Number: 362
Mantra: “Mental Strength — I think if you have the philosophy and mindset to keep going and just listen to yourself and your body then you will do just that.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I’m excited! I’m trying to balance rest and sleep along with the excitement of the race. I’m intrigued to see what happens on race day being that it’s an all-women’s race. It will be interesting to do a race this long without having any guys — bring on the women power!”
3. Name: Greta Friesen
Age: 36
Occupation: Office manager at Kiser Motorcycle
Hometown: Honaunau
No. of Kona IMs: 2nd Kona
Bib Number: 311
Mantra: “Rule number 1 is to have fun!”
Race Week Thoughts: “This time around I’m just getting over COVID so it will be a day of survival. I’ve had to modify my expectations and if I make it to the finish line I’ll be thrilled.”
4. Name: Lynn Mattix
Age: 42
Occupation: Air traffic manager
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
No. of Kona IMs: 1st Kona, 5-total IM finishes
Bib Number: 1236
Mantra: “Be present all day long!”
Race Week Thoughts: “This race is so iconic that I want to be really present all day long. The idea is for me to have a strong day, but with so many people racing that I know, I want to be really present so that I can cheer them on and soak it all in. And to be a part of an all-women’s race is the best feeling!”
5. Name: Sonja Correa
Age: 44
Occupation: Health coach
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
No. of Kona IMs: 1st Kona
Bib Number: 2253
Mantra: “Have fun and stay calm.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I’m super excited! I’ve always wanted to do this race. I’ve lived here my whole life and I always see all of these athletes come through and now my kids are super inspired. It’s always been a dream of mine. I’ve done triathlons before having kids, but it wasn’t until last year when my whole family watched the entire race online that the switch turned on and I thought, ‘I want to do Ironman!’”
6. Name: Laura Birse
Age: 45
Occupation: Crew member at Ocean Encounters
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
No. of Kona IMs: 2nd Kona
Bib Number: 2235
Mantra: “Feel it, face it, and go beyond it.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I want to have a smooth race as I feel prepared and I have really great coaches. I have high expectations as I’ve trained really hard. When the going gets tough I know that it’s just temporary and it will pass.”
7. Name: Melissa Schad
Age: 47
Occupation: Sports and fitness coach
Hometown: Papaaloa
No. of Kona IMs: 3rd Kona
Mantra: “Mind over matter.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I’m going to do this race like it’s my last one. However, this is the third of four world championships that my age group has gone dead last. So, my mantra is ‘mind over matter,’ and I’m going to be telling myself, passing gear all day long!”
8. Name: Esra Lynch
Age: 56
Occupation: Dental hygienist at Hawaii Holistic Dentistry
Hometown: Waimea
No. of Kona IMs: Hometown: 4th Kona
Bib Number: 737
Mantra: “I’ve done this before; my body knows what to do.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I’m super excited that my kids are going to see me race. That super motivates me and also the fact that this will be my fourth Ironman which is 17 years after finishing my last Ironman. I want to see where my fitness is at and I just want to see the finish line.”
9. Name: Brenda Avery
Age: 58
Occupation: Retired
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
No. of Kona IMs: 2nd Kona
Bib Number: 626
Mantra: “Don’t give up, keep moving!”
Race Week Thoughts: “I have some goals which are to be positive, be happy, enjoy the experience, don’t worry about time, or finish, or place, just enjoy the experience with all of the other women out there, and hydration, nutrition, and pacing.”
10. Name: Brenda Bettencourt
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired
Hometown: Kailua-Kona
No. of Kona IMs: 5th Kona, 12-total IM finishes
Bib Number: 558
Mantra: “The faster I get to the finish line, the faster the agony will be over.”
Race Week Thoughts: “I feel grateful that I am able to do it and have the opportunity.”
Note: The 11th female athlete is Monica Price who will also compete in Saturday’s race.
