Grandma Becomes Oldest Ever Ironman Finisher in Hawaii

An 80 year old grandmother just successfully completed the Ironman World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.

Credit: Ironman

These events are designed to be tough but Natalie Grabow completed the triathlon by swimming 2.4 miles, then cycling 112 miles and then immediately running a full 26.2-mile marathon. It was a history making achievement that is made even more remarkable by the fact that she only learnt to swim when she was 59.

Natalie crossed the finish line in 16 hours, 45 minutes and 26 seconds, becoming the oldest female to ever finish the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. “Absolutely incredible,” the PA announcer said to the spectators in attendance.

“She’s truly gritty,” Grabow’s coach, Michelle Lake, told NPR. “Natalie is the definition of grit and gratitude: Grateful to make it to the start line, grateful to get to do something she loves everyday, and grateful to inspire so many others.” No doubt the 60 other competitors who didn't manage to complete the triathlon - all of whom were younger than Grabow - will feel even more motivated by her example at the next event they attend.

The senior is already searching for her next challenge. She signed up for a pair of Ironman races in 2026 - and she may even take aim at the record set by Hiromu Inada, who at 85, became the oldest person to finish the Ironman World Championship in 2018.