MABINI, Batangas — Filipino triathlete Mike Gonda, based in Ireland, has confirmed his readiness for the upcoming 2024 VinFast World Ironman Championship in Nice, France, after a solid performance in the 32nd Club la Santa Ironman Lanzarote. Gonda completed the challenging race in the Canary Islands, Spain, in 12 hours, 48 minutes, and 38 seconds on Sunday, securing his position in the 45-49 age category.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gonda expressed satisfaction with his performance, especially after recovering from an injury. "It is nice to be back at it after my injury. I did register just to feel the distance again, but I still gave it my all. Happy to be back," Gonda said. His journey to the World Championship was paved by his qualification at the 2023 event in Nice, which he earned after placing fifth at the Ironman 70.3 in Subic Bay Freeport Zone in June last year.
Gonda's planned participation last year was derailed by an unfortunate accident in Denmark, where a car collided with his bike during an Ironman event. This incident led to an injury that prevented him from competing. However, the organizers awarded him an automatic slot for this year's championship as a result.
Since 2017, Gonda has participated in at least 12 international Ironman distances, achieving a personal best at the 2019 Barcelona Ironman with a time of 10:11.08. The Ironman series, known for its grueling 3.9-kilometer swim, 180.2-kilometer bike ride, and 42.2-kilometer run, tests the endurance of athletes at an extreme level.
The Lanzarote race, known as one of the toughest and longest-standing Ironman competitions in Europe, features an 8,130-feet mountainous bike course. It serves as a qualifying event for the World Ironman Championship, drawing top triathletes from around the globe. In the latest edition, Kenneth Vandendriessche from Belgium reclaimed the men's division title with a time of 8:29.54, while Anne Haug of Germany topped the women's category in 9:06.40.