Lawn Fourth, Brown Withdraws in Hawaii

For immediate release from Triathlon NZ
14th October 2007

Lawn Fourth, Brown Withdraws in Hawaii

New Zealanders had mixed days at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii today with leading Kiwi female Jo Lawn finishing in fourth place while leading male Cameron Brown withdrew from an Ironman for the first time in his career.

Lawn had to scrap hard to earn her fourth, kicking clear of two Australians in sight of the finish line in a typical show of strength and determination. Lawn’s time was 9:26:47, just over 18 minutes behind winner Chrissie Feltwell (GBR).

Brown meanwhile suffered from the virus he thought he had got rid of a week ago, pulling out 120km into the bike leg after being ill on the roadside. A disappointed Brown is already focusing on Ironman New Zealand next March.

“Today is a day I want to forget in a real hurry. After having a virus 10 days ago and bed ridden for 3 days in my taper, I thought I was okay and over it but when I got out there in the lava fields and tried to push my body at 100%, I soon found there was not a lot in the tank.

“I never felt comfortable out there and as the kilometres passed by I got weaker and weaker. I pulled out at the 120km mark on the bike, the first time I have ever pulled out of an Ironman and I hope it will be the last too!

“I will now head home, take a month off and then begin preparation for Ironman New Zealand at Taupo in March.”

The men’s race was won by American Chris McCormack in 8:15:54.

In other news for New Zealanders, Greg Fraine won the men’s 45 to 49 year age group. The Waikane athlete finished in a fantastic time of 9:19:02 to win by over 7 minutes.

Others in the top ten at the time of going to print in their respective age groups were Allan Jefferson, 10th in the men’s 35 to 39 and Shanon Barnett, 6th in the men’s 18 to 24.

None of the female age group placings were available at this time but will be posted at www.ironman.com later this evening.

Hawaii Ironman 2007 Male
1 8:15:34 McCormack,Chris USA
2 8:19:04 Alexander, Craig AUS
3 8:21:30 Sindballe, Torbjorn DNK
4 8:22:33 DeBoom, Timothy USA
5 8:23:31 Vanhoenacker, BEL

Hawaii Ironman 2007 Female
1 9:08:45 Chrissie Feltwell GBR
2 9:14:04 McGlone, Samantha USA
3 9:19:13 Major, Kate USA
4 9:26:47 Lawn, Joanna Auckland NZL
5 9:26:55 Preston, Rebecca AUS

Full results and further information can be found at www.ironman.com

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