Bella Comerford registered her fifth Ironman Florida victory as she clocked a time of 9:07:49 at the Panama City event in the United States.
Having exited the water in fourth, Bella moved to the front early on in the cycle following the retirement of Germany’s Nina Kraft with a broken saddle. Carrying a three minute lead after the 112 mile bike she was able to stretch away on the marathon to finish seven minutes ahead of Tamara Kozulina from the Ukraine.
Comerford's remarkable year has seen her win four Ironman events in South Africa, Lanzarote, the UK and Florida, and finish in an impressive seventh place finish at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii just three weeks ago.
The end of the season will see her marry her partner and fellow Ironman triathlete, Stephen Bayliss.
Ironman Florida Women's Results:
1. Bella Comerford, Great Britain
2. Tamara Kozulina, Ukraine
3. Jessica Jacobs, USA
Athlete Profile
Personal Information
Date of Birth: 1 November 1977
Born: Norwich, England
Lives: Leysin, Switzerland
Website: www.bellacomerford.com
Hobbies: Scottish Highland dancing
Fav music: Dance music to ride to
Fav film: The Flying Scotsman
Fav place: Edinburgh
Fav food: Meat
Hero: Graeme Obree
Words to live by: "Always do your best in what you do"
Luxury item for a desert island: Stephen Bayliss
What would you do if you weren't a triathlete: Event organiser
Major Achievements
ITU Long Distance Triathlon Champion 2006
2008 Results
4th Ironman New Zealand, New Zealand
1st Ironman South Africa, South Africa
1st Ironman Lanzarote, Lanzarote
1st Ironman 70.3 United Kingdom, England
2nd Ironman Austria, Austria
1st Embrunman Triathlon, France
1st Ironman UK, England
7th Ironman World Championships, Hawaii
1st Ironman Florida, USA
Jodie Swallow concluded her season with a hard earned win at the Escape to Bermuda Triathlon in the Caribbean.
Swallow and the USA's Sarah Groff powered away in the swim but were hauled back on the cycle by American duo, Mary Beth Ellis and Becky Lavelle.
Once on the run Swallow was able to open up a lead to finish over a minute ahead of Groff with Andrea Whitcombe clocking the fastest women's run split to finish fifth.
Escape to Bermuda Triathlon Women's Results:
1. Jodie Swallow, Great Britain
2. Sarah Groff, USA
3. Becky Lavelle, USA
4. Mary Beth Ellis, USA
5. Andrea Whitcombe, Great Britain
In the men's race Matt Reed from the USA took victory ahead of Australia's Simon Thompson. Richard Allen was the top Brit in tenth.
About British Triathlon
British Triathlon is the National Governing Body for triathlon, the UK’s fastest growing sport. At international level Great Britain boasts a strong squad of world ranked elite triathletes who regularly achieve international success and has some outstanding young talent emerging from its development programmes. Since becoming an Olympic sport in 2000, British Triathlon has seen annual increases in membership numbers of 10%. There are over 650 triathlon events conducted in Great Britain each year, including the Corus Elite Series which attracts athletes from all over the world and the renowned Mazda London Triathlon and. For more information visit BritishTriathlon.org.
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