Badmann returns

4:08:18 hours: No woman has ever finished an Ironman faster than Natascha Badmann in Cambridge. In an interview, the Swiss Badmann talks about her feelings during the race – and how she wants to win her sixth World Championship title in Hawaii.

On June 10 you won the Ironman with the fastest time in history. What significance does this record time have in the string of your personal successes?

I’m overjoyed about it! I’ve already got several World Championship titles, but this was my first world record.

How fast did the 4:08:18 hours pass for you?

It flew by. When I can maintain my concentration during the race, like this time, four hours pass like nothing.

Before the race you still thought that you weren’t in form enough to win the race. What gave you that – false – thought?

I’m actually still in the middle of building up my training and didn’t plan anything huge for Eagleman. But on June 10 all the conditions just fell into place ...

... including the far too liberal interpretation of the rules by your rivals. Their behaviour motivated you to fight doubly as hard “for the sake of justice.” What happened?

Before the race the marshals stressed that the race would be very fair – and all the pros agreed with that. But during the race I found out from a journalist that some of the competitors were riding slipstream in front of me. When I got closer and couldn’t overtake them, because they were cutting curves – which is also banned – I got really angry. And then got faster.

At what point in the race did you suspect that you were on the way to a world record – and how did that influence your performance?

About two kilometres before the finish line. I got the information from my coach Toni Hasler and reacted spontaneously with a cry of joy. The prospect of a world record motivated me to use all my remaining strength.

What part did your new aerobike play in the record time?

It was just one of many components that all played a role in the record. The new bike, the new high-tech racing suit, the refined training methods and optimal diet. What helped me, though, was also the ideal weather.

On your homepage you described the Ironman 70.3 Blackwater Eagleman as “variety in a normal, every-day training session” and “a building block for the preparation for Hawaii.” How much better can you get if you’re breaking world records during training?

Oh, there are so many things that you can optimise! Every day I try to get a bit better, to emerge fitter from every training session. On October 13 I’m going to try and implement the tough preparation as well as possible.

As a triathlete you need to be unbelievably tough on yourself during training as well as during the race. What rewards do you give yourself after you attain such a huge goal like the one you just have?

Firstly a massage. Otherwise, until the next race (14 days later), not much. Afterwards I allow myself a short break at home in Switzerland. Then I’ll definitely meet up with friends for a relaxed evening meal and give myself time for chatting and celebrating. I’m really looking forward to that!