Multisport: When the millpond turned into a maelstrom

Ironman hopefuls walking from the finish line with disappointment across their wind-blown faces told a story of a job not even half done.

Others, grateful to get through such a physically and psychologically demanding day, accepted that organisers had no choice but to carve the Bonita New Zealand Ironman in Taupo in half, including scrapping the 3.8km swim.

Race director Jane Patterson says it was the worst day of her working life, but one she looked back on with some satisfaction. Having to make such radical changes in the interest of safety was a no-brainer, especially with gale force winds whipping the country's biggest lake, but it did not make the decision any easier.

"When I went to bed on Friday night, the lake was like a millpond," said Patterson.

"But I was very aware of how the weather had been all week and that it was likely to be a vastly different story in the morning.

"When we met at 6.30 this morning, we could barely stand on the lake edge," said Patterson.

"We had been working on contingency plans all week and knew we would have to implement one or the other."

The various scenarios were based around cancelling the swim. With the lake beaten into a frenzy, there was no way they could risk even a shortened leg.

Patterson and her team were aware an athlete had drowned in Utah in 2002 when a swim proceeded in unfavourable conditions.

"We then worked through things mindful of the changes we would need to get the race started," said Patterson.

"There were strong suggestions we would not even get a start, such was the strength of the wind and the danger it posed on the early stage of the cycle course along the lakefront."

In the end the race began four hours late and with a staggered start.

Asked if there had been any thought of holding off for a day, Patterson said that was not possible.

"We are very reliant on medical staff who come in from all over. There is also the support we get from the Army and the host of volunteers who come from outside Taupo.

"Asking them to stay an extra day was not an option.

"I completely understand [the competitors'] disappointment but there have been no moans. There would have been at least 50 who came up and said, 'Well done, you made the right decision'.

"I'm sure some will have said, 'Sod it' and not bothered. There is not a shadow of doubt we will be back [here] next year. What makes it hard to accept is that here we are now - at what would be the normal finishing time - in brilliant sunshine."