Triple Victor Athletes Triumph at the 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship in St. George

The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship in St. George presented athletes with a challenging course and favorable weather conditions, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of racing. Among the remarkable performances were Triple Victor athletes Ali Ozymy and Dave Mudek, who secured their slots to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Finland.

The day began with air temperatures in the mid-40s and a chilly 60-degree swim in the clear waters of Sand Hollow Reservoir. Athletes experienced calm swimming conditions with a rolling start and excellent visibility, allowing them to draft and avoid getting lost in the sunrise over the picturesque cliffs.

After transitioning from the swim, athletes embarked on a scenic bike course that climbed from Sand Hollow to Hurricane, with rolling hills towards St. George and a signature climb into Snow Canyon State Park. They then enjoyed a fast descent, reaching speeds of over 40 MPH, before returning to downtown St. George. The course featured over 3,200 feet of climbing throughout the 56 miles, but athletes were fortunate to experience minimal winds and excellent visibility. However, those in the back of the pack faced stronger winds of up to 20 MPH later in the day.
The weather warmed to the mid-60s as athletes started the updated two-loop run course, which took them through St. George’s historic Town Square and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve before finishing downtown. The course provided stunning views, spectator-friendly sections, and a challenging route with numerous climbs, long descents, and rolling grassy hills in the golf course area.

Sam Long and Jeanni Metzler emerged as the North American Championship winners in the men’s and women’s professional races, respectively. Among the strong age group field were Triple Victor athletes Ali Ozymy and Dave Mudek.

Ali Ozymy, competing in the female 25-29 age group, finished 5th in her age group at the North American Championship. Taking lessons from previous races, Ali adopted a relaxed approach to the swim and focused on building over the course. Out of T2, Ali attacked the bike and run segments, ultimately earning her podium spot and securing a World Championship slot.

Prior to her success in St. George, Ali had an impressive performance at the 2022 IRONMAN 70.3 Muncie, where she finished 2nd with a time of 5:23. Despite her excellent result, she missed out on a slot to Finland. Feeling determined, Ali considered racing in the IRONMAN 70.3 Waco the following weekend but ultimately decided to focus on long-term improvement and carefully selecting a course that would best support her goal of qualifying for the World Championship.

With the guidance of her coach, Dave Mudek, Ali built an annual training plan leading into her A-race at the North American Championship. This structured plan allowed her to focus on her long-term goal while also preparing her for the challenges of the St. George course. Her dedication and commitment to the program paid off, as she not only secured her spot at the World Championship but also set a 70.3 distance personal record, improving her Muncie race time by five minutes on a significantly tougher course.

Dave Mudek, racing in the M35-39 age group, finished 29th in his age group. He maintained a relaxed mindset throughout the race, focusing on enjoying the day and the process of training. Dave’s performance earned him a roll-down slot to his seventh IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, and he is excited to head to Finland with the team.

The 2023 IRONMAN 70.3 St. George was a remarkable event for Triple Victor athletes Ali Ozymy and Dave Mudek. Their dedication, hard work, and strategic planning paid off as they secured their slots to the World Championship in Finland. We eagerly anticipate their performances at the World Championship and look forward to celebrating their continued success.