New Zealand triathlete Gina Ferguson turned adversity into achievement with her breakthrough victory in Ironman Wisconsin in the United States.
Ferguson, 26, from Christchurch, led from the start to set a course record and win by 24 minutes.
This is the third win by a New Zealander inglobal Ironman competition this year, following Kieran Doe's victory in Ironman Canada and Chris McDonald's at Ironman Louisville.
Ferguson, the Triathlon New Zealand Olympic distance series champion, was not scheduled to compete in the United States. After placing fourth in Ironman Switzerland in July, she set herself for Ironman UK last month.
But she was forced to withdraw after a puncture on the bike could not be repaired.
Ferguson and coach Greg Fraine decided that because she was in such strong form that she should compete in the US on her way home instead.
She was third out of the 3.8km swim yesterday in 53m 59s just ahead of American Hillary Biscay.
Ferguson, who had worked hard in previous months to improve her biking skills, showed a liking for the hilly 180km course, stretching her lead to 12 minutes, with the second best time of the day.
The New Zealander then went into overdrive with a three hours, 14 minute marathon to clock 9h 37m 03s to set a course record by nearly 10 minutes.
She finished more than 24 minutes ahead of Biscay with German Ina Reinders third.
"That was the best race I have ever done," Ferguson said.
"I've worked so hard and this is just great.
"The crowds just lined the streets. The feeling is amazing."
