We had the pleasure of chatting with Caroline (Carrie) Anderson from Stadium Triathlon Club, who recently won the Female 60–64 category at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
Carrie is one of the humblest athletes you’ll ever meet. A mother of two, a wife, and a full-time employee, she somehow still finds the time and discipline to train up to 17 hours a week during peak season.
Would you believe she didn’t even start triathlon until she was 48? Her first race was at a Mandurah Triathlon Club event, where she caught the bug and hasn’t looked back. Coming from a running background, it’s no surprise that running remains her favourite leg.
Kona has been a long-held dream for Carrie, and this year marked her second time on the Big Island. Her standout moment was seeing her family during the marathon, appearing unexpectedly at various aid stations thanks to some inside knowledge from a local friend. After not seeing them all day, their encouragement during some of her lowest emotional points on the Queen K and in the Energy Lab, two iconic and gruelling stretches of the marathon, gave her the lift she needed to push through and win.
Carrie’s triathlon journey has taken her around the world, often alongside her husband John, her number one supporter, bike mechanic, travel agent, and manager.
Her daughter Katya Anderson is also a World Champion. Katya took out the 35–39 category at the World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships in Pontevedra earlier this year. Clearly, a very talented family!
Carrie’s motivation comes from feeling fit, strong, and being part of a supportive training community that keeps her coming back day after day. Right now, she’s enjoying some well-earned time off with her family, and yes, still sneaking in a few runs because she simply loves it.
Keep an eye out for Carrie at the Busselton 100 in May next year. And who knows, will we see her tackle another Ironman? She already has a spot for Kona next year, so watch this space. Well done Carrie!