Kerri-Ann Upham

Once the final race is done, the real reset begins. No beaches, no switching off — just lighter training, local races for fun, and the unglamorous admin that keeps the season going. It’s not flashy, but it’s the foundation for everything that comes next.

From battling the mud in Molveno to securing my first top 10 finish in the XTERRA World Cup, this year has been my best yet. Crossing the line 12th at the World Championships was bittersweet — proud of how far I’ve come, but hungry to keep climbing. Consistency, grit, and belief carried me here. Now it’s time to look ahead to 2026, to sharpen the weaknesses, and see just how far this journey can go.

Back in 2016, I nervously lined up at IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth, just hoping to finish. Fast forward to 2025: after years of training, setbacks, and relentless focus, I took the overall female win with a 2:28 bike and 1:26 half marathon. The swim was cancelled, the start was a time trial, but everything clicked. A full-circle moment proving patience, commitment, and hard work really pay off.