Gustav Iden made a historic achievement at the 2022 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, winning the race as a rookie. Iden conquered Kona in a stunning time of 7:40:24, breaking German Jan Frodeno's course record of 7:51:13 by more than 10 minutes. The 26-year-old Norwegian also set a new course record for the marathon, finishing the 42.2km in 2:36:15.
The fight for victory
Iden's practice partner and fellow Norwegian, Kristian Blummenfelt - who started the race as the reigning Ironman World Champion - joined him on the podium to finish third, just over three minutes back, also beating the previous fastest time ever in Kona. It was a triumphant day for both, the only two Norwegians to ever win the title.
"It was so damn tough," said Iden, who wore his "lucky cap," which bears the name of a Taiwanese temple, throughout the run and has kept him undefeated in race competition. “Everything was going pretty smooth until I caught Sam Laidlow and then when I passed him, oh my god the island was really trying to get me down. But I think my cap must be stronger than the legend of the island."
Iden looked strong from the start and never wavered in his plan for the day. He finished the 3.8km swim in a lead group of about 20 athletes and then tackled the 180km bike course on his Giant Trinity Advanced Pro with a CADEX Aero WheelSystem. France's Sam Laidlow set the pace on the bike while Iden and Blummenfelt maintained a strong pace in a chasing group.
Laidlow set a new course record on the bike as the two Norwegians timed their pace perfectly, coming in for the second transition about 6 minutes behind. Just before mile 19, near the infamous Energy Lab section, Iden made his move, leaving Blummenfelt behind.
At this point it looked inevitable that Iden Laidlow would be chasing for the lead. The Norwegian picked up speed and eventually caught 23-year-old Laidlow at mile 22. Iden clapped him on the shoulder and gave him a thumbs up as he passed.
"Actually, I executed my plan quite well," said Iden, who wore his Giant Pursuit TT helmet on the bike course. “Kristian pushed up the hill from the Energy Lab and I waited a few more minutes and pushed as the wind shifted. I think my plan was pretty solid for a rookie.”
Iden won by two minutes over Laidlow, crossing the line, clinging to the finish tape and celebrating his accomplishment. Behind him, Blummenfelt fought hard to fend off Australian Max Neumann to join his friend and compatriot on the podium.
