Third place in big race
Hilary Wicks CA hoped to finish in the top 10 of her age group at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, but she exceeded her expectations when she crossed the finish line in third place.
Wicks beat her nearest rival in the 30-34 age group by just 10 seconds, after nearly 10 hours and 225 kilometres of swimming, cycling and running. She says pure adrenalin got her through at the end when she heard spectators shouting that she was being closely trailed by another competitor.
“I just thought: there is no way, at this stage, that anyone is getting that third place off me.”
The chartered accountant, who works for Skipper Lay and Associates in Papakura, says her day went perfectly to plan. The only mistake she feels she made was to let the enthusiastic crowd support, including a small group of family and friends along the first 15 km of the run, lift her pace to a speed she felt was too fast.
She says the swim was the toughest part of the day, with 1,600 athletes jostling for position and strong tidal currents.
During the 180km bike ride Wicks focussed on her heart rate and ensuring she was drinking and eating enough to complete the final leg – a marathon run in temperatures that topped 38 degrees Celsius.
“I knew the race was all going to be about pacing and nutrition and because it’s so hot you have to be careful not to dehydrate,” she says.
Skipper Lay partner Greg Lay says the company is proud of Wicks’ achievements.
“Her talent, training, tenacity and attention to detail are all things which led to her success in Kona and are also present in her work life, which make this impressive athlete a very impressive accountant as well.”
Wicks is set to compete in Ironman New Zealand in March and hopes to qualify for the Ironman World Championships again, and return to Kona later this year.
The Ironman World Championships attracts 1800 professional and age-group athletes who have qualified through a number of Ironman events around the world. It involves a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle and a 42km run.
February 2012