Ironman top finisher Caroline Steffen draws inspiration from baby boy

Caroline Steffen celebrates with her 18-month-old son Xander after crossing the finish line. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

SUBIC, Zambales—The last time Caroline Steffen won a title in the Ironman 70.3 was back in 2016 and she was adamant in breaking that three-year curse.

Steffen was on a class of her own as she claimed the title of the 2019 Ironman 70.3 Subic Bay Sunday here on the coastal city but the championship wasn’t the only reason that pushed her to be at her best in the grueling race.

The 40-year-old Swiss knew her 18-month-old son Xander was waiting for her at the finish line and that drove her to pick up the pace even further.

“Being a mom is a big motivation so you want to kind of hurry to get to the finish line because I can’t wait to see him,” said Steffen.

“There’s so much time in what I’m doing and if it pays off then it’s even more worth it.”

Steffen finished the course with a time of 4:29:15 for the title, almost 13 minutes faster than second-placer Dimity Lee Duke of Australia clocked in 4:42:59.

“I was really surprised when he cried because I think it’s too hot for him, it’s a bit noisy,” said Steffen. “We played in the water after and he’s all happy.”