Jo Lawn (NZ) reclaimed the women's title this weekend at the Bonita Ironman in New Zealand. She defeated rival Gina Crawford to reclaim the women's title that she lost to the Christchurch triathlete last year in Taupo and in the process set a new course record despite the windy conditions. Lawn came to Taupo determined and confident to put her career firmly back on track following the disappointment of losing her crown last year. She trailed national time trial cycling champion Melissa Holt by 30 seconds off the bike, but had opened a handy two-minute advantage over Crawford. The six-time champion quickly rounded up Holt on the run, and ran away from Crawford with a 3:06 marathon, the best of her career, to set up a course record 9:14.35. "I had extra motivation and determination not just for Jo Lawn but also for everyone who stuck by me for last year. I came here this week with a mission," Lawn said. "To get a race record today, in those conditions is amazing. I'm just so happy, not just for today but that I know I am back to my best and I have a lot more to achieve in the sport." Crawford finished second in 9:28.26, with American Kim Loeffler running up to third place in 9:30:57. Bonita Ironman New Zealand: Female: Jo Lawn (NZL) 9:14.35,
1; Gina Crawford (NZL) 9:28:26,
2; Kim Loeffler (USA) 9:30.57,
3; Sarah Pollett (Australia) 9:45.44,
4; Britta Martin (NZL) 9:47.11, 5. From Ian Hepenstall, ironman.com