SHOALHAVEN siblings Joshua Henry and Sophie Fallon are headed to Hawaii together to take on what is renowned as the toughest triathlon in the world, the Kona Ironman.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
North Nowra’s Henry and Shoalhaven product Fallon are both excited at their first opportunity of completing the World Championships course of 3.9km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.1km run on October 8.
“Sophie and I qualified for the Ironman World Championships from Port Macquarie Ironman in May this year,” Henry said.
“I was sixth in my age group and Sophie was second. This is the first time for us both to be racing in Hawaii, which we are both very excited about.”
Both Henry, 38, and Fallon, who will turn 37 the day after the race, will compete in the 35-39 age bracket.
“The first goal for both of us just to get over the finish line, as the heat and the wind on the 180km bike will be some of toughest riding we have done in any Ironman race,” Henry said.
“I would like to do well in the 3.8km swim and I know Sophie has been doing a lot of running, so I know she will want a strong showing in the marathon part of the race.
“Personally, I would like to get to close to 10 hours as I can.
“In terms of getting our bodies right, both Sophie and I have been training on indoor bike trainers and treadmills with heaters on.
“It is going to be hot,so you have to try and make your training conditions just like race day.”
The competitive siblings love the friendly rivalry they have between one another, which pushes each other to achieve the best they possibly can.
“It’s really quite special that we are competing together in Hawaii,” Henry said.
“Sophie has come with my wife Pam to all the Ironmans I have done. We did Port Macquarie Ironman in 2014 and this year together and to go and do the World Championships in Kona, is just the best.”
“While mentioning my family, I would just like to say thanks to my wife Pam and the kids for putting up with me over the last six to eight months of training.
“Also all the local people from JB Tri Club and the boys that I have been riding and running with, as well Alex Price from AP10 Triathlon Coaching in Wollongong, who have all helped me.
“Training for this type of race is not easy and you really need your friend and family’s help along the way.”
Courtney Ward
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
Sports Journalist for South Coast Register and Milton-Ulladulla Times, who loves all things sport and travel. All views are my own.
