Edmonton Triathlete Takes Home Gold in Her Debut Ironman Race

Edmonton triathlete takes home gold in her debut Ironman race

First time was the charm for an Alberta triathlete who took on a new milestone fitness challenge – and won it all – over the weekend.

Edmonton’s Paula Findlay wins 226-km Ironman triathlon on 1st try - Edmonton

Paula Findlay, 37, entered her first-ever full-distance, 226-kilometre Ironman Triathlon and won, crossing the finish almost four minutes ahead of the woman in 2nd place.

New record, first career win highlight Ironman

LAKE PLACID — Canada’s Paula Findlay captured her first full-distance Ironman victory, and Belgium’s Marten Van Riel shattered the course time at the 2026 Athletic Brewing Ironman Lake Placid.

Prime Minister Mark Carney Celebrates Paula Findlay's Debut Ironman Win - Triathlon Magazine

This past weekend, Canadian Paula Findlay made history with a victory in her Ironman debut at Ironman Lake Placid. With more than 20 years of experience in triathlon and a decorated career that includes tremendous success over the middle distance, this marked Findlay’s highly anticipated first attempt at the full Ironman – and on one of the sport’s most challenging courses. Not only did the performance resonate with the crowds cheering her on th…

Paula Findlay wins on Ironman debut as Marten Van Riel claims first full-distance victory at Lake Placid

It was a weekend of historic firsts at the 2026 Athletic Brewing IRONMAN Lake Placid, with Paula Findlay (CAN) and Marten Van Riel (BEL) both claiming maiden Ironman victories. The Canadian middle-distance star – a two-time Olympian, 14-time IRONMAN 70.3 champion and multiple IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship medallist – added another achievement to her decorated career, producing a composed performance to win on her full-distance debut. “It alway…