Sport
20 June, 2026
Maiden triumphs for pair in demanding Cairns Ironman
NICK Thompson and Penny Slater claimed their maiden Ironman victories at the 2026 Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns on Sunday, overcoming strong fields and challenging conditions to take the honours in Far North Queensland.
More than 3000 athletes competed in the event, which marked the 15th anniversary of the Cairns race.
Perth’s Thompson crossed the line in 7:49:48, finishing more than seven minutes ahead of Canberra’s Ben Hill, with Japan’s Jumpei Furuya third.
The 26-year-old returned to Cairns after narrowly missing victory last year and said winning in front of local supporters made the achievement even more special.
“The win means everything, first Ironman win being in Australia, in front of the Cairns crowd, which showed me so much support last year and again this year. When you race overseas, you don’t really get that and it makes such a huge difference,” Mr Thompson said.
Mr Thompson was fourth out of the water after the 3.8km swim at Palm Cove, about a minute behind Furuya.
He moved into the lead within the first 20km of the bike leg and steadily increased his advantage, opening a lead of more than three minutes midway through the ride.
He began the marathon almost seven minutes ahead of Mr Hill and maintained control throughout the run to secure the victory.
“It’s awesome, I was definitely fighting a few demons where I lost the lead last year, especially just being out the front on my own this year so I just had to really concentrate and it was great to get to the line, great atmosphere, I’m really happy,” he said.
In the women’s race, Penny Slater claimed victory in 8:59:27, finishing more than eight minutes ahead of Skye Wallace, with New Zealand’s Rebecca Clarke completing the podium.
An emotional Ms Slater said the win was the result of years of persistence.
“I’m pretty tired, but I don’t think the adrenaline’s worn off yet, so I’m just so excited, I mean, I feel like this win’s been a long time coming. I’ve had a lot of podiums, a lot of fourth places, so it means so much to win here in Cairns. It’s kind of a home race for me, that’s what it feels like anyway,” Ms Slater said.
Rebecca Clarke led out of the swim, while three-time Ironman winner Regan Hollioake took control during the bike leg. Ms Hollioake’s race ended early in the marathon after she tore her hamstring and was forced to retire, elevating Ms Slater into the lead.
Ms Slater extended her advantage through the run to secure her first Ironman title.
