EPISODE 201. 2026 IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AG QUALIFYING SYSTEM
IRONMAN has updated its age group qualifying process for both the IRONMAN and 70.3 World Championship events from 2026 onwards, and there is much to unpack and understand. As the #1 ranked coaching service in Kona 2024 we try to explain how it all works and even simulate some recent races to better explain how it would look. Why? ‘Based on athlete feedback and our own due diligence, we believe the new approach is even more consistent with our principle that the most competitive athletes are recognized and rewarded with qualifying slots. In the prior system, qualifying slots rolled down within gender and age group, and the number of slots allocated to each gender and age group was based on how many people were racing within that gender and age group. In some cases, highly competitive athletes were unable to earn a slot because their age group or gender was under-represented in a race. In contrast, some athletes who were less competitive relative to their age group would earn a slot because their age group was over-represented and thus had more slots allocated to it. In the new system, we rank athletes based on their relative performance (vs. their age-group), and irrespective of age or gender, the most competitive athletes on race day receive qualifying slots until all available slots for that race are claimed.’ Do we like it? Listen to find out. Join the Tribe www.koasports.com.au
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EPISODE 200. DOUBLE TONNE
It was a bumpy 100, but we got there in the end. A few edges to slips, dropped in the deep and a couple of monster sixes! On this episode we are joined by a Rugby League Immortal and step through the highlights from the last 100 episodes, like the sands through the hourglass, these are the days of our lives. Plus, a new intro tune! Feedback? Join the Tribe. www.koasports.com.au
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EPISODE 199. PORT TO OCTOBER
A significant change for the IRONMAN Oceania race calendar in 2026. IRONMAN Australia has moved from May to October and Western Sydney from September to May. What does the mean? How will the coaches get from Kona to Port in time and in reasonable condition? New Zealand boom time? We just love triathlon so much.Join the Tribe.www.koasports.com.au
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EPISODE 198. SUB 10
Antony Boyd joined Koa Sports in July 2024 with an ambition to break 10 hours in an IRONMAN, a dream he had been chasing for over a decade. 2 kids in high school, running his own business, and 12 hours a week to train (average). At the age of 49 Ant achieved this goal at IRONMAN Cairns 2025. A relatable story for any age group triathlete on limited time, but with an absolute hunger to achieve more. Preparation, nutrition, race day we unpack how it all went down and what needed to change to make this dream a reality. This could be you!Join the Tribe.www.koasports.com.au
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EPISODE 197. THE HYPHEN TITLE
We did it guys, Koa Sports are the 2022-2025 IRONMAN Asia Pacific TriClub Champions! An extraordinary weekend of racing saw our athletes take out the title for a 4th year in a row, to continue the Koa dynasty. Unpacking the race is important but Greg becoming entangled in an anti-USA protest in downtown Cairns is another. We sampled some new establishments and profits were made by one of the coaches at the Reef. All that and more in a ‘meaty’ episode of the KSP. Join the Tribe www.koasports.com.au
The KOA Sports Podcast, brought to you by the KOA Sports coaches attempt to bring some sports entertainment to an otherwise dull endurance landscape. Championships, course records, beer miles, EPIC blow ups, after parties and data analysis… perform Sunday, dominate Monday. Coaching from $149USD month