A Remarkable Achievement at 80 Years Old
At the age of 80 years and 69 days, Natalie Grabow made history by completing the IRONMAN® 140.6 World Championship, becoming the oldest woman to finish the event. Her journey to this moment is a testament to her dedication, passion, and resilience.
Natalie crossed the finish line on 11 October, finishing in 16 hours, 45 minutes, and 26 seconds. Despite the physical demands of the race, she was filled with excitement and joy. She shared a powerful message: no matter your age, it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
A Lifelong Love for Activity
Growing up in the 1940s and 1950s, Natalie didn’t have many opportunities for organized sports as a girl. However, she found ways to stay active. She was a cheerleader in high school and always had a competitive spirit, whether in sports or academics.
After college, she learned to ski and play tennis, enjoying these activities throughout her life. In her late 30s, she started running, and during her 40s and 50s, she participated in local races ranging from 5Ks to half marathons.
It wasn’t until she was 59 that she learned to swim, which opened the door to triathlons. Her first race was in 2005, and since then, she has competed in numerous events, including sprint, Olympic, half Ironman, and full Ironman races.
The Ultimate Challenge
Her most significant achievement came in 2025 when she competed in the IRONMAN 140.6 World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. At 80 years old, she became the oldest woman to complete the race, breaking previous records.
“I knew that no one had ever completed that race over the age of 78,” she said. “But I was determined to prove that age is just a number.”
She set out to complete an Ironman at 79, which she did in 2024. Despite challenges like a flat tire and flooded run courses, she finished strong. This success gave her the confidence to take on the 2025 race at 80.
The Physical Demands of an Ironman
The IRONMAN races are among the most challenging endurance events in the world. Participants must complete a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) swim, a 112-mile (180 km) bike ride, and a 26.2-mile (42 km) marathon run.
Natalie chose to tackle the full challenge, showing up in Kona with friends Chris and Katy, as well as her daughter Amy Rousseau. Their support was crucial to her success.
Preparing for the Race
Natalie trained extensively for the event, working with her coach, Michelle Lake of FIV3, who supported her in Kona. Additionally, her strength coach, Eddie Frayne at Lifetime Fitness, helped improve her upper body strength, making the swimming portion more manageable.
Her daughter Amy played a vital role in her success, providing emotional support and creating memories that Natalie will cherish forever.
The Race Day Experience
On race day, Natalie began with the swim, followed by the grueling bike ride and a marathon run. It took her just over an hour and 45 minutes to complete the swim, nearly eight hours on the bike, and 6 hours and 40 minutes for the run.
“I felt good during the race,” she said. “I managed my hydration and fuelling well, and I paced myself so I never ran out of energy.”
The conditions in Kona are tough, with heat, humidity, and wind. Natalie relied on her experience from 10 previous races in the area to navigate the challenges.
A Rewarding Finish
After nearly 17 hours of intense effort, Natalie crossed the finish line under the dark sky, greeted by cheers and applause. She received a beautiful Hawaiian flower lei garland and plenty of IRONMAN swag for being the first-place finisher in the female 80–84 age group.
Advice for Others
Reflecting on her journey, Natalie offered advice to others: “Work hard, be consistent, and pay attention to how your body feels to avoid injuries. Enjoy the training process, and find an activity you love so you’ll stick with it.”
Her incredible performance has inspired many, proving that age is not a barrier to achieving your goals.
A Message of Hope
The IRONMAN organization praised Natalie’s achievement, saying, “At 80 years young, she’s shown the world that determination, heart, and hard work truly have no limit.”
They added, “Her story captures everything IRONMAN stands for: courage, perseverance, and the belief that ‘Anything is Possible.’”
Natalie is a cherished member of the IRONMAN ‘Ohana, and her story will continue to inspire millions around the world.
Congratulations, Natalie, you are officially amazing!
Photo credit: Donald Miralle
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