Having actually been open about his battles after a DNF at the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship last season, Aussie Steve McKenna was lastly back on top at IRONMAN New Zealand this weekend.
The fan favourite from Down Under, who is set to end up being a dad of 2 in 8 weeks, shared a psychological message in his post race interview on Saturday.
Stabilizing parenthood with expert triathlon, the PTO World # 54 saw his effort and commitment vindicated in Taupo with the success and a slot to Kona for October.
“You never ever envision you can win”
After going on a 6 race podium streak in between September 2022 and June 2023, McKenna saw his season come crashing down in Lahti last summertime. Back on the leading action in Taupo, the 32-year old was thrilled.
McKenna at the pre-race interview [Photo credit: Ville Kashkivirta / IRONMAN]
“I'm in shock still, quite psychological, I do not understand, we stated I was going to win this in the house however that was me simply attempting to be positive.
“You never ever envision you can win, whatever simply needs to go so completely, I'm simply still attempting to choose that it's genuine. I'm extremely, really, extremely delighted.
“I believe I ‘d be sobbing a lot if my household was here, I'm almost weeping, besides having our child– and we have another one being available in 8 weeks– this is the very best sensation.
“Unfortunately for me I weep a lot, so it appears like I'm unfortunate when I'm my happiest, however I'm attempting my hardest to take in the minute due to the fact that it takes a very long time to win another race.”
Parenthood and a frullet!
On stabilizing the duties of a daddy with his training, the Australian stated it was in some cases frustrating, particularly throughout the days where he would fall under a trap of comparing himself to his rivals.
[Photo Credit – Graeme Murray]
“It's hard and whatever needs to go completely, for me specifically with a kid things are truly difficult being a pro versus the chaps that get 8 hours of sleep a night and have a nap throughout the day.
“I do my finest to assist in the house so things are difficult and I work a lot also so I'm actually happy that I can win a race regardless of all the important things that are going on.”
To commemorate his success, McKenna stated that his next action would be to get an uncommon hairstyle, one which he confessed himself may not be finest gotten by his partner when he shows up back in Australia.
“Now I need to shave my head, I'm going to shave my head however leave the fringe so that will be a ‘frullet', I'll do it tomorrow. Really when my cousin came by from New Zealand he had a frullet so that's why I believed they were so amusing so it's a New Zealand thing I believe.
