Natalie Grabow Triathlete: Defying Age Through Passion and Determination

Natalie Grabow made history by becoming the first woman ever to finish the Ironman World Championship in Kona at the age of 80, a milestone that stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination and passion. Natalie's journey into sport began in a very different era, growing up at a time when opportunities for women in sport were limited. Despite a naturally competitive spirit, it wasn't until later in life that she found her way into endurance sport, first discovering running in her late thirties before taking on triathlon at the age of 59. In this inspiring episode Natalie reflects on her late start in triathlon, her love for cycling and the mindset that carried her through years of training and competition. She shares insights from her multiple appearances and podium finishes at the Ironman World Championship, including her historic race in Kona this year, where consistency, patience and experience proved just as important as physical strength. Natalie also speaks openly about the obstacles and challenges she's faced along the way, from managing injuries to balancing the demands of training whilst caring for her husband. With the unwavering support of her family, coach and community, she has continued to show up, race and pursue ambitious goals, continuing to challenge expectations and redefine what's possible in endurance sport.  This episode is a powerful and uplifting reminder that age is not a limitation, that it's never too late to begin something new and that perseverance, passion and consistency can carry us further than we ever imagined. Natalie Grabow's story is one of inspiration, wisdom and perspective and one that will resonate far beyond the world of triathlon and endurance sport. 

Norway's Solveig Løvseth made an immediate impact on long-distance racing in 2025, setting the fastest time ever recorded for a female professional on debut at IRONMAN Hamburg, where she finished third in an impressive 8:12:28.  She then went on to take her first IRONMAN win in only her second appearance at the distance, breaking the tape and the course record at IRONMAN Lake Placid. With her sights firmly set on the sport's most iconic race, Solveig arrived in Kona in October and raced with remarkable grace and composure amidst the heat, humidity and pressure she endured.  From the early miles to the final stretch down Aliʻi Drive, she delivered a masterclass in execution, breaking the tape on triathlon's biggest stage to be crowned the 2025 IRONMAN World Champion. In this episode, Solveig takes us through her extraordinary season as we unpack what it truly takes to get to and perform at the highest level of the sport.  Beyond the results, this conversation explores the person behind the athlete. The 2024 Olympian opens up about her early years in sport and the transition from swimming to triathlon, the lessons learned from short-course racing and the patience required to move successfully into middle and long distance events. She also reflects on the loss of her father and how that experience reshaped her perspective on sport, resilience and life, bringing deeper meaning to every opportunity she has to race. Solveig Løvseth's story shows us that the path to greatness is rarely straightforward. Defined not by obstacles, but by determination, resilience and self-belief, her journey is thoughtful, humble and refreshingly honest, centred on patience, perspective, passion and the importance of carving your own path to success.

Endurance Adventurer, Daragh Morgan from Dublin recently completed one of the most extraordinary challenges ever undertaken on Irish shores, a gruelling 1,468 kilometre swim around the entire coastline of Ireland, a dream that took six years from conception to delivery and 338 hours in the water to complete. Swimming an average of four hours a day, often in harsh, unforgiving conditions, Daragh carved a path through jellyfish, relentless chafing, and the wild moods of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to complete his 'North Star' Challenge, Swim Éire.  This expedition however was never a solo endeavour. At its heart was a dedicated support crew, led by boat captain Dara Bailey, whose seamanship, insight and unwavering presence kept the ambitious 27 years old swimmer safe and steadily moving forward. Together, their journey became a celebration of community, tradition and the deep cultural ties that connect Ireland's coastal communities to the waters that surround them. In this episode, Daragh reflects on the physical and mental resilience needed to push through tough conditions, the key moments that shaped the expedition, and the sense of purpose he found in the water. He discusses past endurance challenges that prepared him, the unconventional fuelling strategies that sustained him and the emotional homecoming that closed this monumental chapter. This is a story of courage, coastline and community and of the magic that unfolds when a daunting, unpredictable idea pulls you far beyond your comfort zone and grows into something far greater than you ever imagined.  More than a tale of endurance, it is a testament to the human spirit and the unshakeable power of self-belief. Swim Éire stands as a bright beacon proving that with vision, determination and teamwork, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome. 

Loughlin Campion is an Irish endurance athlete who crossed the finish line of the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice as the fastest Irish athlete, and whilst that deserves much respect and admiration, his journey to the race start line is truly an inspirational one of resilience, grit and the relentless pursuit of possibility.  A lifelong runner, inspired by his father's love of athletics, Loughlin's path to sporting success was abruptly interrupted a number of years ago when he was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis; a chronic illness that brought daily struggles, physical setbacks and mental health challenges. For a time, his future in sport seemed uncertain as he grappled with fatigue, stress and the impact of a condition that literally turned life upside down.With the support of family and friends, when Loughlin finally found his way to remission he began rebuilding his life around new sporting challenges. Triathlon became his focus, providing an opportunity not only to reignite his passion for running, but to push himself further than he ever imagined. His return to competitive sport has been remarkable. He completed IRONMAN Italy last year in 8:54, finishing in the top 20 on debut at the distance, earning his slot for the 2025 IRONMAN World Championship in Nice. Whilst race day in Nice tested every ounce of his preparation and resolve, from the technical bike course to nutrition strategies and mishaps, Loughlin embraced and surmounted each challenge, ultimately crossing the finish line in a superb time of 9:34:44. The performance cemented his status as the fastest Irishman at the IRONMAN World Championship, a milestone that spoke not only to his athletic ability but to his perseverance in the face of adversity. His story shines a light on the challenges of living with chronic illness, the importance of support networks, and the power of determination in rewriting what is possible. As he looks toward new goals, whether improving his run speed or preparing for future IRONMAN races, Loughlin's story reminds us that every setback is a setup for a comeback, and that every finish line, no matter how big or small the occasion, deserves to be celebrated. 

Following the tragic loss of his brother-in-law nine years ago, Luke co-founded the charity Andy's Man Club, a peer-to-peer support movement giving men a safe space to meet and talk. What began in Halifax has since grown into a nationwide network of over 300 clubs across the UK, saving lives and breaking down stigma.  This year Luke set out to complete "Mission Possible" which includes completing all five IRONMAN races in the UK alongside additional running and cycling events to support and raise awareness of Andy's Man Club.  Having already completed three of the five events; IRONMAN 70.3 Bolton, IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea and IRONMAN Leeds, Luke was invited to race at the Men's IRONMAN World Championship in Nice next month as an athlete ambassador and will swap out IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth to race in Nice before heading back to the UK to tackle IRONMAN Wales one week later. Unphased by the challenges that lie ahead, mission possible has already made a significant impact within and beyond his immediate circle and community.  Throughout this insightful conversation, Luke reflects on the strong parallels between sport, mental health and resilience, the support of family and community and the power of open conversations.  His athletic achievements and success to date with Mission Possible are certainly inspiring, but it's his commitment to creating lasting change through Andy's Man Club and beyond that truly sets him apart. From building communities to conquering IRONMAN races, Luke's journey shows that with purpose, resilience, self-belief and passion, anything is possible. 

Alistair Brownlee OBE is a true legend of triathlon, widely regarded as one of the greatest short-course triathletes of all time. A two-time Olympic gold medallist at London 2012 and Rio 2016, he became the first man in history to win back to back Olympic golds in triathlon.  Beyond the Games, Alistair has claimed World, European, and Commonwealth titles, and helped elevate British triathlon to unprecedented heights. Alongside his brother Jonny, their sibling rivalry and partnership became one of the sport's most iconic and inspiring stories.Since retiring from professional sport late last year, Alistair leaves behind a legacy few can match. His career has been defined not just by medals and milestones, but by how he raced, with heart, grit and an uncompromising will to win. From Olympic dominance to middle and full distance triathlon success,  his relentless pursuit of excellence has left an indelible mark on the sport of  triathlon and triathletes all over the world. As he transitions into life beyond professional racing, Alistair's influence on the sport of the triathlon continues to have significant impact. In this conversation, Alistair reflects on life after professional sport. From running and cycling with friends for fun, to embracing gravel racing and other sporting pursuits, leading business ventures and charitable work.  He's navigating a new phase with the same passion and purpose that defined his career. From his work with truefuels and his commitment to the Brownlee Foundation, we hear how lessons from his sporting career now inform his entrepreneurial mindset.He opens up about the highs and pressures of Olympic success, the physical and mental challenges of injury and why simplicity in training still brings him joy. This is a conversation about discipline, transition and perspective. Whether you're chasing a podium or just looking to enjoy the ride you will enjoy this deep dive into the life, legacy and next chapter of Alistair Brownlee as he continues to push boundaries and inspire a whole generation of triathletes. 

Lizzie Rayner is a British professional triathlete whose journey into elite sport began with a childhood immersed in many sports from swimming and hockey to cricket and running.  She competed in her first triathlon when she was 12 years of age, inspired by the 2012 London Olympics, she rediscovered her passion for the sport and set her sights on a professional racing career.  Lizzie had a breakthrough in 2022 with a surprise win at the Outlaw Half in Nottingham, an achievement that allowed her to secure a professional triathlon license. Since then, she has raced with and against some of the best middle distance triathletes in the world. In 2024 in just her second season as a pro, she took the tape to win IRONMAN 70.3 Portugal, Cascais in a hugely exciting sprint finish.  She went on to race at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupo New Zealand last year, rounding out her year with a 16th place finish on the world stage.  This year she has already finished twice on the podium with a 3rd place finish at IRONMAN 70.3 Valencia and a second place finish at IRONMAN 70.3  Pays d'Aix, steadily building her profile and trophy cabinet with some super results and performances.  This episode delves into Lizzies' training routines, fuelling strategies and goals for future races. Her sporting story to date is a testament to her approach to performance, perseverance and progress in achieving athletic excellence.  Although Lizzie is relatively new to the professional ranks of the sport of triathlon she is already making her mark and undoubtedly has a bright and podium filled career ahead in the sport.  

Irish Sailor Tom Dolan from Co. Meath has carved a most unexpected career for himself on the high seas.  Winner of the 2024 Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, Tom sailed himself into the history books as the first Irish sailor and only the third non-French competitor to win this prestigious race in its fifty five year history, cementing his position and reputation as a world class sailor. He subsequently was awarded Irish Sailor of the year in February of this year for the second time.  An unlikely career for a man who grew up on a farm in Co. Meath where Gaelic Football was the sport of choice and sailing was something he watched on TV dreaming of one day sailing the high seas. But dreams do come true and for Tom, although it was an unconventional career path and to say the least a hard graft learning all the skills, insights and intricacies of sailing he earned his stripes from the ground up.  Relentless in his pursuit of excellence, his grit, determination and resilience to embrace his passion for sailing saw him follow his heart and love of the sport to France over a decade ago. Immersing himself in one of the world's most competitive sailing environments it provide the perfect playground for Tom to flourish, hone his craft and gain vast experience to become one of the best off-shore sailors in the world.  Known as 'The Flying Irishman,' Tom's journey has been anything but smooth sailing. In this episode, he shares the highs and lows of his career, offering insight into the technical and mental demands of elite level racing, the toll of sleep deprivation and hallucinations at sea, and the vital role of a strong support team. His story is not just one of overcoming odds, but of staying true to a passion, trusting the process and proving that with commitment and belief, even the wildest dreams can become reality. 

In October 2022 at the age of 20, Laura McEvoy from Northern Ireland was involved in a devastating car accident that changed her life forever, leaving her with a spinal cord injury at L1, fractured vertebrae in her neck, and a cracked skull. Told she might never walk again, Laura refused to accept defeat. Through sheer determination and the unwavering support of her family and friends, she defied the odds rebuilding her life step by step facing life's toughest challenges with remarkable resilience and passion.  A former competitive Irish dancer and outdoor enthusiast, Laura found her way back to the activities she loved and discovered new passions along the way. From learning to walk again with crutches and AFOs to abseiling and climbing the iconic Rathlin Wall at Fairhead, she has redefined what it means to overcome adversity. Today, Laura is a passionate advocate for accessible outdoor adventure, working with organisations including; Mountaineering Ireland, Tollymore, and Accessible Adventures Ireland to create inclusive opportunities in climbing, paddle sports and hiking. She's raised thousands for The Outdoor Partnership, earned multiple climbing qualifications, and is now leading the way in organising major inclusive and adaptive expeditions, this past weekend she was part of a paddling and camping adventure on Lough Erne.  As if that wasn't enough, Laura is also making her mark on the court as a wheelchair basketball athlete for Northern Ireland, with her sights set firmly on the Commonwealth Games in 2026. Her motto, "Say yes to everything," captures the spirit of a woman who isn't just surviving trauma she's thriving and inspiring others to believe that their limits are only the starting point.

Nora 'Nono' McHugh from Galway is a true pioneer in Irish sport. She made history in 1973 as the first-ever captain of the Irish Women's National Football Team, leading her squad to a memorable victory against Wales. But her love of sport began long before that, from kicking a ball on the streets of the Claddagh to playing every game imaginable in the Swamp, her journey is one of passion, grit, and unwavering determination. Nono's sporting success spans far beyond football, with remarkable achievements across many sports including Gaelic football, camogie, badminton and more. Her dedication and contribution to Irish sport has been recognised nationally and locally with her induction into the FAI Hall of Fame last year, and more recently, she received the prestigious Galway Sports Stars Hall of Fame Award. Nono takes us on a heartfelt journey through her life, sharing vivid stories from her early days growing up in the Claddagh, her adventures in sport both at home and abroad, and the challenges of balancing athletic ambition with personal responsibilities. She reflects on the power of sport to shape identity and build community, offering her signature wit and wisdom along the way. Now in her 70s, Nono remains as active as ever, swimming daily at Blackrock in Salthill, going to the gym, and staying deeply connected to her local sporting communities. She's a firm believer that staying active and finding a supportive and encouraging community is key, especially as we age. Despite her incredible athletic accomplishments, Nono's humility shines through, for her, the greatest reward is the pride and recognition of her family. This episode is more than a celebration of Nono's life in sport,  it's a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and a sense of community matter at every stage of life. No matter your age or ability, there's always a place for sport in your story.