The charming setting of Kona Hawaii is where over 60 Kiwi female athletes will be competing at the Ironman World Championships this weekend.
For two Kiwis in particular lining up, it's a tale of one trying to beat the best and the other overcoming some pretty tough odds.
Hannah Berry and Prue Young will both be racing the 226.2km-long race that athletes have to qualify for.
“This is the race everyone wants to compete in,” Berry said.
“There's something just magical about this island.”
Berry wants to use the picturesque platform to announce herself on the world stage having won an Ironman 70.3 title in Cozumel, Mexico last month.
“Top 15 would be absolutely amazing,” she said.
“I’m not seen as one of the favourites in the world [but] if I could get a pretty good placing here, that would change things a bit.”
This weekend will be Berry's fourth full Ironman and debut at the world champs after she missed the 2021 edition due to Covid and injuries also keeping her out until now.
“The field here is like no other – all the top players are here and ready to roll. I’m turning up to this race in the best possible condition.”
While berry fights for a top finish, just getting to the start line for fellow Kiwi Young, competing in an age-group category, is an achievement.
In 2021, the Nelson helicopter paramedic was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
“Everybody said, ‘look, post your diagnosis you probably shouldn't be doing exercise and your life is going to change’,” Young said.
But exercise is what's helped her defy odds with aqua jogging, stationary bikes and training in safe surroundings helping her keep muscular function in her legs.
“It's been a journey. I’ve had my hard days and hard weeks definitely but managed to keep moving.”
She completed her first full Ironman last December but ticking off the iconic Kona race will be a whole other experience.
“I’m there to prove to myself I can do it and to prove to everybody else that someone with MS can and give hope to people with MS.”
It's an attitude that will help her in life and this weekend.
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