Cameron Brown retires from IM New Zealand in his 25th outing

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The 14-time IM NZ winner and 4-time podium finisher in Kona has announced his final season as a PRO at the age of 50.

From a 22nd-place finish 26 years ago to his more than 20 podiums and 12 wins at the nation’s most prestigious event, tens of thousands of hours of Spartan training and a lifetime dedicated to triathlon have come.

Cameron Brown, the ‘grandfather’ of IRONMAN, retires at 50 It was his feisty test of his long career before he made his 25th start at IRONMAN New Zealand (on March 4). “It was my first IRONMAN in 1997 and it’s been my favorite ever since. I’ve been watching the race since 1988 and even though I never thought I’d win 12 times, it’s been a dream of mine to race one day at IM NZ.”

Untouchable since 1997

His first win came in 2001, after two second-place finishes in ’99 and ’00. He would begin a streak that lasted until his latest victory in 2016, already at the age of 43. That’s not all, he was on the race’s podium in 2017 and 2018, having not stepped out of the drawer from 1999 to 2018.

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“A race that has been a part of my life for many years, it is very special to me and my family. My family and friends are always there to support me. Something that didn’t happen when I competed for the worlds.” Says it all for a champion who collected two silvers and two bronzes in Kona between 2001 and 2005.

Currie and Kienle are favorites to win

While capping his career with a win would be quite the feat, Brown’s more realistic goal is to finish in the top 5 or dream of a podium finish one day. Fighting hard for the win are two other legends: Brandon Curry And Sebastian Kienle, The two triathletes, aged 36 and 38, are in tremendous physical condition in addition to an enormous baggage of experience. Curry On January 12 Tauranga will defend the title against a record winner of the half kienle Coming off a 3rd place finish at Challenge Wanaka.

Extra motivation

Brown’s last two years were hampered by injuries, which allowed him to run only a handful of times: “I’m looking forward to racing again because I’m not going to run alone.” He Aussie He was excited to say goodbye to an incredible career as a tri-sport professional. “I will be competing for my father, who passed away in September last year and has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my international career.”

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