OK – I know I’m a bit late but I had to take a holiday sometime! After the very exciting Ironman UK race I caught up with most of the big players – and here is the first in a series of interviews with those athletes. Dan Halksworth put in a magnificent performance on his biggest stage yet to take the win.

Those that have followed his results this year would have been less suprised – but there is no doubting that this race will have bought him to the attention of the wider triathlon community.

Here is your winner – Dan Halksworth.

Its a strange feeling, obviously very happy, and I’m also really proud to give something back to all those who have supported me throughout my sporting life.

Fraser was super strong on the bike and broke me towards the end but for once it came together for me on the run. We as a squad have been training really hard recently and its paying off. Now that I am getting used to the workload this year it means that i can actually recover between session and not be continuously dead so that is really helping.

I didn’t feel great at the start of the run and only started to feel okay as we got on to the down hill section of the run heading in to town on the first lap. I wasn’t sure if i had gone too early but like I said the training kicked in. The whole way on the run I was thinking about Jack (Dan Halksworth dedicated his performance to one of his early coaches) and how he has never given up, gave my body a purpose.

This year has been full of lessons. I am lucky to train with some of the best triathletes, not only that some of the nicest people in the sport and I try and learn lots of little things from them all. I guess the main thing I have learnt is Ironman is a very long day and anything can happen. The mind is stronger than the body.

I’m not sure about New York yet, I have to make the correct financial decision first.

Hawaii is a tough race, its not only got the best athletes in the world racing it but the conditions can be brutal. I will have to be mentally tough to race it so next year will be the target to qualify for sure. To qualify will be very tough this year, as I’m lagging a bit on the points so not going to hold out my hopes too much. I think having a good swim will hopefully put me in the mix going on to the run but then anything can happen on the day.