My first participation at one of the world’s biggest triathlons as a rookie

Challenge Roth is so much more than just a triathlon – it’s a true legend in the world of endurance sports. With 3.8 km of swimming, 180 km on the bike, and a full marathon, this race draws the world’s best athletes and massive crowds that turn Bavaria into a real triathlon festival. At just 23 years old, it was an absolute honor for me to line up for the first time at the start of this iconic event.

🏊‍♀️ Swim: pure energy from the start

6:37am start in the Danube canal, with water temperatures over 25°C. For the first time in Roth’s history, wetsuits were banned — an advantage for me as a strong swimmer. Even before the start, the magic was palpable. It felt like stepping into an arena: spectators packed both sides of the canal, the energy was electric. Breathing to my right, I could see the silhouettes of the crowd perched on the banks, their cheers pushing me forward. I loved every single meter of that swim. I came out of the water in first place, with a 5’45” lead on the reigning world champion, Germany’s Laura Philipp.

🚴‍♀️ Bike: leading into Solarer Berg

On the bike, I held the lead until kilometer 140. Honestly, I never imagined it would take so long for Laura Philipp to catch me. But it allowed me to live an unforgettable moment: arriving first at Solarer Berg on the first lap. There are no words to describe it. The crowd formed a living wall that opened as I rode through. The energy they gave me at that moment was indescribable — they lifted me up and gave me wings. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget, and I soaked in every second.

🏃‍♀️ Run: digging deeper than ever

On the run, it became a mental battle. I lost two positions in the first half, but I refused to give up and never stopped believing. At kilometer 38, I dug deep into my last reserves to take back 3rd place. The cheers from my loved ones made all the difference: my parents, standing at the sidelines, giving me the mental strength to keep going; my team, Ronny, Gaby and Semira, and my amazing host family Nicole, Caroline, Florian, and Ingo, who put all their energy and voices into pushing me forward, running from one point to another to cheer me on. You were all incredible and carried me to the finish line. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

🥉 A podium I’ll never forget

I crossed the finish line in 3rd place, overwhelmed with emotion, in a time of 8:41:41 — 23 minutes and 23 seconds behind Laura Philipp and just 4 minutes behind Australia’s Grace Thek. It was such an honor to share the podium with these two incredible athletes.

It was a human adventure and a shared passion. In Roth, I found a new family. I was lucky enough to stay with a host family who welcomed me with open arms and supported me with so much warmth and passion all weekend — an incredible encounter! I met so many amazing people and lived an unforgettable weekend.

❤️ More than just a race: a community

Challenge Roth isn’t just a triathlon. It’s a community that comes together every year, growing stronger and sharing the same values: passion, pushing limits, and generosity.

Here, everyone gives their absolute best:

🏊‍♀️ The athletes on the start line, ready to test their limits.

❤️ The organizers, Felix and Kathrin, who pour their hearts into creating an unforgettable experience.

🙌 The 7,000 volunteers, who work tirelessly for months beforehand and on race day give as much energy and joy as we do out on the course.

🎉 And the 300,000 spectators, who put all their hearts and voices into cheering us on.

In the end, Challenge Roth brings together thousands of people united by one passion. A single day where everyone gives their all and shares magical emotions we’ll never forget.

This 3rd place isn’t mine alone. It also belongs to my coach, Brett Sutton. This podium is for everyone who made this experience so special. Congrats and thank you to each and every one of you who played a part in this adventure, in one way or another.

🎙️Breakfast with Bob

Watch my post-race debrief with Bob Babitt on Championship Edition: Breakfast with Bob.