Sports
Julie Iemmolo: Strategies and a Kona Slot at Ironman Brazil
The French champion shares her ambitions for Ironman Brazil, aiming for a personal best and a Kona slot.
Julie Iemmolo, winner of Ironman 70.3 Rio, shares details of her intense preparation and expectations for the Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil 2026. She aims for a personal best in the marathon and a coveted slot for the Kona World Championship. The French athlete highlights the vibrant support of the Brazilian public as an extra motivator.
The Nubank Ultravioleta Ironman Brazil 2026 in Florianópolis welcomed a special guest: Julie Iemmolo, the French triathlete and champion of Ironman 70.3 Rio de Janeiro. In an interview with Fabio Bessa, Julie shared her impressions of Brazil, her rigorous preparation, and her ambitious goals for the long-distance race.
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The Brazilian Charm and Motivation for Ironman
Julie expressed her great appreciation for Brazil, especially for the energy and passion shown by the public for triathlon. "I was truly impressed with the environment, the atmosphere, and how much people love triathlon here," she commented. The athlete highlighted the constant support and encouragement during the Rio race, which motivated her to participate in Ironman Brazil, an event known for its reputation and prestige.
Intense Preparation and Ambitious Goals
This will be Julie's fifth Ironman, and her first this year. She described a "long and serious winter preparation," with extensive training, indicating she is ready to aim for a great result. For Ironman Brazil, Julie has clear and challenging objectives:
- Cycling: Despite having the best bike split at 70.3 Rio, she isn't taking anything for granted. "I trained well, but it's never guaranteed until race day," she said. Nevertheless, she intends to have a very fast cycling leg.
- Marathon: Julie's main goal is to beat her personal best in the marathon, which is currently 3h08, achieved in Hamburg. She is determined to run faster in Florianópolis.
- Overall Time: With a time of 8h34 in Hamburg, Julie expects an excellent overall time in Brazil.
- Kona Slot: The primary objective is to secure one of the top three positions (podium finish) to earn the coveted Kona slot, the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.
Family, Tourism, and Local Flavors
Julie Iemmolo came to Brazil accompanied by her sister and cousin, who are visiting the country for the first time. After the demanding race in Florianópolis, the plan is to explore Rio de Janeiro. She intends to show them landmarks such as Copacabana, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Christ the Redeemer.
When asked about local cuisine, Julie admitted she hadn't had many opportunities to experience the gastronomy before the race in Rio. Fabio Bessa took the opportunity to offer some tips: pão de queijo (a delight for any time), Brazilian beef (world-famous), and açaí (with its regional variations).
The Florianópolis Course and Crowd Support
Julie has already scouted the running course in Florianópolis. She described the track as "straight, flat, and fast," with ideal weather conditions, expecting around 20°C. "It should be good for aiming for a fast time," she assessed. She also emphasized the importance of the crowd: "If there's a lot of encouragement, it motivates you. When you start to get tired, you hold onto that."
The presence and support of the Brazilian crowd are undoubtedly a differentiator for athletes at this Ironman Brazil. Julie Iemmolo is ready to give her best, driven by local passion and the pursuit of her own limits in triathlon's most challenging race.
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