Sports
Rachel Olson at IRONMAN Brazil: Preparation and Kona Dream
The American triathlete shares her strategies and passion for the full distance.
Live from Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN Brazil 2026, American professional triathlete Rachel Olson spoke with Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura. She shared details of her preparation, her passion for the full IRONMAN distance, and her big goal of returning to and finishing the Kona World Championship. An in-depth look at the challenges and dreams of a top athlete.
At the Nubank Ultravioleta IRONMAN Brazil 2026, Stemma Sports hosts Fabio Bessa and Thiago Kawamura had the opportunity to speak with American professional triathlete Rachel Olson. Live from the event, Rachel shared her perspectives on the intense race preparation, her growing affinity for the full IRONMAN distance, and her ambitious goals for the season, highlighting the highly coveted slot for the Kona World Championship.
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The Transition and the Joy of the Full Distance
Rachel Olson revealed that after a recovery period following another competition, she managed to have three very productive training weeks, which left her significantly more confident to tackle the full IRONMAN. She emphasized that despite appreciating the 70.3 distance and seeking improvement in it, she has found increasing pleasure and satisfaction in long-duration training, such as extended runs and bike rides. For Rachel, this shift in focus to the full distance has been a continuous learning process, where she realizes it is still a very different and challenging distance, but one that deeply motivates her.
Race Strategies and the Sub-9 Hour Dream
When asked about her race goals, Rachel aims to complete all three disciplines – swimming, cycling, and running – a little faster than the previous year. Her strategy includes improved nutrition and curbing initial enthusiasm on the run to avoid the feared “bonking”, which occurred last year. Rachel plans to consume up to 115 grams of carbohydrates per hour on the bike, a significant increase from the 85g she consumed previously. Regarding the possibility of a sub-9 hour finish, Rachel believes it is totally achievable with the right conditions: a swim with a favorable current, calm winds on the bike, and a refreshing rain on the run. She noted that the race should have a smaller front group in the swim, followed by a larger chase pack, and she hopes to be able to stay with strong athletes like Pamela Oliveira.
The Big Dream: Kona and the Finish Line
Rachel Olson's biggest goal in triathlon is to return to Kona and finish the IRONMAN World Championship race. She expressed a deep desire to feel the energy of the finish line on that iconic stage, something she couldn't achieve the previous year. For Rachel, this unique experience is "special like no other", reinforcing the emotional importance of crossing the finish line at one of the world's most prestigious triathlon events. She seeks that unforgettable vibe, which motivates her to continue pursuing her dreams.
In a more relaxed moment, Rachel shared that at the finish line, she would like to hear electronic dance music (EDM), mentioning names like Martin Garrix or Marshmello, or even alternative rock, to celebrate with good energy. Her story is a testament to the dedication and passion required to excel in high-level triathlon, always looking forward to the next challenge and the dream of crossing the finish line in Kona.
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