New Zealander Tara-Lee Marshall finished a gallant fourth in Ironman Brazil yesterday after recovering from a crash during the cycle leg.
Marshall, of Taupo, who won two ironman titles on the world circuit last year, crashed when a dog ran on to the course and into her path.
After losing touch withthe chasing group, the Kiwi fell more than 20 minutes behind and lost further ground in the final 30km on the bike.
After a mix of walking and running that saw her drop out of the top 10 in the extreme temperatures, Marshall dug deep into her reserves and recovered strongly to finish fourth behind winner and former world champion, the outstanding Wendy Ingraham, of the United States.
"The whole day was tough and I really contemplated pulling out," Marshall said. "Nothing had gone particularly well so when I crashed my spirits really sank. Some age-groupers encouraged me on the run, and after a while I came right.
"It was a struggle to finish, but I was really proud of the fact that I did and passed a lot of runners in the final 10km."
Ingraham beat defending champion Fernanda Keller. American Laura Drake was third.
Argentine Martin Sturla won the men's race. Twice Ironman New Zealand winner Ken Glah was third.
