Thompson, Slater score breakthrough Ironman tri wins

Roger Vaughan | June 14, 2026

Well-credentialed Australian triathletes Nick Thompson and Penny Slater have scored breakthrough wins in Cairns.

They claimed the 15th Ironman Cairns race, the first time they have won over the 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run format.

Thompson was runner-up at Cairns last year and Slater was seventh two years ago at the Hawaiian Ironman world championships.

“The win means everything, first Ironman win being in Australia,” Thompson said.

“When you race overseas, you don’t really get that (crowd support) and it makes such a huge difference.

“When you’re basically in a 5K radius of the finish line, it’s like you don’t even have to fight any demons, someone everywhere yelling at you, giving you a (time) split. So, super, super special to do it here.”

Thompson won in seven hours 49 minutes 48 seconds, more than seven minutes ahead of compatriot Ben Hill, while Jumpei Furuya was third.

Australian Regan Hollioake led the women early in the run, but a torn hamstring ended her race. Slater took the lead and held it to the finish.

Slater won in 8:59:27, eight minutes up on compatriot Skye Wallace, and New Zealand’s Rebecca Clarke completed the podium.

“This win’s been a long time coming, I’ve had a lot of podiums, a lot of fourth places, so it means so much to win here in Cairns. It’s kind of a home race for me,” Slater said.

The race attracted more than 3000 competitors.