Natalie Grabow: A Trailblazer in Triathlon at 80
Natalie Grabow, an 80-year-old athlete from the United States, has made history by becoming the oldest woman to complete the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Her journey to this achievement is nothing short of inspiring.
Overcoming Challenges: Learning to Swim at 59
For most of her life, Grabow didn’t know how to swim. At 59, she decided to tackle this challenge head-on to pursue her dream of competing in a triathlon. “It was a significant obstacle,” she shared with NPR, “but necessary for my triathlon goals.”
A Remarkable Achievement
Grabow’s determination paid off as she completed the Ironman World Championship, a grueling event that includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon. She finished in 16 hours, 45 minutes, and 26 seconds, well within the 17-hour limit, while over 60 other participants did not complete the race.
Support and Motivation
Living in Mountain Lakes, N.J., Grabow trains at her local YMCA and often runs on a high school track. Her daughter, Amy, and coach, Michelle Lake, were by her side during the race. “Natalie embodies grit and gratitude,” Lake remarked. “She’s thankful for every opportunity to compete and inspire others.”
Breaking Records and Inspiring Others
Upon finishing, Grabow was greeted by Cherie Gruenfeld, the previous record holder, who completed the race at 78. The oldest person to finish the event is Hiromu Inada, who was 85 in 2018.
Grabow’s journey began in 2005 when she learned to swim and entered her first sprint triathlon. By 2006, she was competing in Kona, and this year marked her 11th Ironman World Championship.
Advice for Aspiring Athletes
Reflecting on her journey, Grabow emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and enjoying the process. “The daily training is what I cherish most,” she says. She plans to continue competing, with two half Ironman races already on her 2026 calendar.
