Show Notes
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.
More from Tri Talking Sport
Jen Done didn't grow up sporty. She swam a bit as a youngster, tagging along to galas beside a sister who was the 'sporty one of the family' and other than a handful of pre-baby marathons, a life in sport was never really part of her master plan. Seven years ago, after the birth of her daughter, she found herself in a very different kind of race, a race against postnatal depression so severe she could not get out the front door, convinced her husband and daughter would be better off without her. Dismissed as "baby blues" by three separate doctors before a female GP finally gave her the diagnosis and help she needed. Somewhere in the middle of it all, her husband suggested she try running again; she managed 30 seconds out the door and back. It was enough to change everything. That 30 seconds became a habit, and the habit snowballed; an IRONMAN 70.3 in Weymouth, her first full IRONMAN in Hamburg, the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona in 2023 racing with the IRONMAN Foundation. She launched her own podcast, 'The Toughest Finish Line', to share other people's stories of using sport to fight through trauma and mental health struggles and she is also a triathlon coach. A little over three weeks ago, Jen took on her biggest challenge yet: two full IRONMAN races, on consecutive days, in two different countries. IRONMAN Kalmar in Sweden on Saturday and IRONMAN Copenhagen in Denmark 24 hours later. In this episode Jen recalls and shares insight into her Viking IRONMAN adventure, the highs and the lows, the chaos to the calmness, from lost luggage, to the hectic hours before the race weekend even started and the nausea that almost derailed her ambitious racing plans which saw her become an eight time IRONMAN. Jen talks openly about her postnatal depression and the transformational journey she has been on since that 30 second run seven years ago. She reflects on what she's learned about her own capacity to cope, how strong she is and how far removed this version of herself is from the woman who once couldn't leave the house. This is a lovely episode centred on courage, resilience, self-belief and the importance of a loving support crew to help you take one small step at a time, even when that small step seems impossible.
British professional triathlete Harry Palmer recently took the title for the third year in a row at IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea, an accomplishment that is not often achieved in sport.
Aisling Wyer is an Irish triathlete and member of Naas Triathlon Club who has achieved impressive results at home and abroad all whilst working full time as a solicitor.
Endurance adventurer Sean Conway has lived a life defined by adventure, resilience and a relentless desire to do hard things. Driven by curiosity and an appetite for pushing beyond what most consider possible, Sean has built a career out of testing the very edges of human endurance.
Our first guests of 2026 are familiar names in endurance sport here in Ireland; Rob Cummins and Aisling Coppinger who share with us an honest and inspiring conversation about life, love and longevity in sport.