Monica Puig has scaled some unbelievable sporting summits in her life, however Sunday in Good noticed her obtain an epic new aim in triathlon’s IRONMAN World Championship.
The 30-year-old Puerto Rican tennis star wrote her identify into the historical past books eight years in the past in Rio when she claimed tennis gold on the 2016 Olympics. However her profession on courtroom was ended by damage in 2022.
Monica discovered her new sporting targets offered by endurance sports activities, taking on marathon working with then companion and now husband Nathan Rakitt. Finally triathlon got here onto the agenda, and the Holy Grail for all swim/bike/runners – Ironman.
There isn’t any larger check of a triathlete than participating within the IRONMAN World Championship – a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike and then a 26.2mile marathon to finish off. All in opposition to the cream of the world’s Professional and Age Group expertise.
On Sunday in Good, France, Monica lined up for her first try on the distance – speak about a baptism of fireside. However we want not have fearful, just below 14 hours later it might be a case of mission completed on the Cote d’Azur.
Monica Puig’s IMWC in Good
Racing underneath the identify Monica Rakitt, she began her day on the French Riviera by finishing the swim in 1:31:48, earlier than transferring on to that brutally difficult bike course up into the mountains after which again down into Good. Once more she got here safely via, this time after 7:57:30 within the saddle. Now all that was left was the small matter of that marathon.
Monica would later admit that she had needed to stop greater than as soon as throughout this epic check of endurance, however she refused to surrender and completed the marathon course in 4:09:14 for an total time of 13:57:25.
Within the aftermath of her terrific achievement, Monica wrote a detailed four-part recap of her day on her Instagram account – offering an in-depth blow-by-blow account of her race.
‘Each form of emotion’
The ultimate instalment learn: “13 hours and 57 minutes of each form of emotion. The day was lengthy, the course was laborious, I feel I questioned myself so many occasions. I needed to stop so many occasions.
“However I’m grateful to @nrakitt for pushing me on after I didn’t wish to. For @astridpuig1 for supporting me and inspiring me each step of the way in which. And my group @monicarodriguezocasio @danielramoslecosh @lecoshendurance for believing in me and on this problem that we had earlier than us and for making ready me regardless of a brilliant difficult schedule.
“This was greater than me. The Ironman World Championship was a celebration of greater than 1,400 ladies who confirmed a lot grit and charm on the market. I really feel so fortunate to be part of this world and to have shared the course with all these unbelievable people 💜”
Written by
Graham Shaw
Graham has been concerned with TRI247 & RUN247 for the reason that summer time of 2021. Since then he has offered strategic route for all information and is passionate in regards to the development of triathlon as a fan sport.
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