Race Report: Nat Russell at Ironman Cairns
This article first appeared in the July 2026 edition of the SSG Multisports newsletter.
People say completing an Ironman is the end of a journey.
For me… it’s just the beginning.
Four years ago, I started triathlon full of fear. I couldn’t swim 1km, didn’t know how to ride properly, and had no idea where this sport would take me. Then three and a half years ago, after a full right hip replacement, the story began and sometimes life rebuilds you stronger.
This year I will be turning 62, I set my sights on becoming an Ironman, proof that age is never a limit, and that women can take on anything at any stage of life.
Eight months of training. Early mornings. Hard sessions. Doubt. Growth. All leading to one day in Cairns.
Race morning at Palm Cove, it all became real.
3.8km swim. 180km bike. 42.2km run.
The swim was brutal. Big swell, onshore winds, chaos everywhere. At times it felt impossible. But with every buoy, I remembered Wayne Cooley’s words:
“Swim each buoy for someone.”
Wise words and I did.
Each buoy became a person I love. A reason to keep going.
The bike was relentless. Strong headwinds, crosswinds, and tough conditions that demanded patience and trust with carnage at times right in front of you and avoiding crashing.
Then came the marathon.
Four laps. Every lap passing the finish chute, hearing:
“You are an Ironman.”
And every lap, those words pulled me forward.
Then came the quiet airport stretch, dark, lonely, and where the real battle began.
By lap three and four, the course was showing its toll. Around me, people were dropping, vomiting, sitting on the side of the road, or walking after flying past me earlier on the bike. Watching that can play with your mind. It reminds you how quickly things can change and how easily your race can unravel.
Psychologically, that was one of the hardest parts.
But I made myself one promise:
Just keep moving.
Aid station to aid station. Step by step.
The rain poured. My body hurt. The tank was empty.
But quitting never entered my mind.
Then I saw the bell.
I rang it.
And then I saw the red carpet.
The finish chute.
The moment I’d spent 8 months chasing.
My family, friends, and support crew were there, cheering me home.
And then I heard the words I’ll never forget:
“Natalie Russell… 15 hours, 11 minutes YOU ARE AN IRONMAN.”
From a woman who once couldn’t swim 1km… to an Ironman finisher.
This race was about more than crossing a finish line.
It was about facing fear, trusting myself, and proving that no matter your age, your setbacks, or your doubts…
you are capable of far more than you think.
To everyone who supported me, believed in me, and cheered me on. Thank you, you all know who you are
This medal belongs to all of you too.
15:11:11
Forever an Ironman.
Forever trusting the path.
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