The triathlete Lilly Zednikova from Rommelshausen completes the Ironman in Hawaii and thus fulfills a lifelong dream. For 2023, the 42-year-old, who was diagnosed with lymph node cancer in 2013, already has new and no less challenging goals.
Lilly Zednikova took her chance and fulfilled a lifelong dream. The Thursday before last, the 42-year-old successfully completed the Ironman in Hawaii, the oldest – and some say the toughest – triathlon over the long distances of 3.86 kilometers swimming, 180.2 kilometers cycling and 42.195 kilometers running. After eleven and a half hours she crossed the finish line in Kona – with a big grin. She still has that on her face following her return home when she reports on the last two kilometers run. “They were amazing, the atmosphere at the side of the track was incredible,” says the single mother of two sons who are 17 and 15 years old.
The cousin from California was waiting at the finish
At the finish, Lilly Zednikova, who competes for VfL Waiblingen, was hugged by her cousin. He is studying in California and had traveled to the event. “He announced that three years ago. The fact that he kept his promise moved me to tears,” says the endurance athlete from Rommelshausen. Congratulations came from the sons who stayed at home via Whatsapp. They followed the competition in a special app and knew where their mother was at all times.
Ten days earlier, the native Czech had traveled to the volcanic island with her friend, compatriot and training partner Marketa Tvrda – both meet three times a year in the training camp with their common trainer Lubos Bilek. For acclimatization and to get to know the island. “We saw everything we wanted to see. The great beaches, the volcanoes and the turtles. We also did a snorkeling tour by boat,” says Lilly Zednikova.
The competition was tougher than expected
The competition in the blistering heat proved to be tough. Much harder than the woman from Rommelshausen had imagined. “But because of my mental strength, I was always able to call up positive energy in myself,” says the athlete, who completed her first amateur triathlon in 2015, two years following she was diagnosed with lymph node cancer.
Taking walk breaks for the first time in a competition
She was particularly afraid of swimming in the ocean. The waves in the open sea require significantly more strength than in a lake. But the first discipline went surprisingly well. During her supreme discipline, cycling, the first doubting thoughts came up. “After a very long climb following 85 kilometers, I asked myself how I’m supposed to run a marathon later,” she says. She ran it – to the finish. However, the more than 42 kilometers not only proved to be an incredible physical test, but also a mental Herculean task. Above all, the ten-kilometer section on the Queen Kaahumanu Highway, where no fans are allowed, challenges the athletes to the utmost in their loneliness. “You walk on glowing asphalt, look ahead and see no end,” says Lilly Zednikova. In Hawaii, she had to take walking breaks for the first time in a competition. “I cooled down, ate and drank at every aid station,” she says. She still lost three kilograms during the ordeal.
Emotions rose at the finish
By the last two kilometers at the latest, however, all pain and doubtful thoughts had vanished. “That’s when I knew once more why I love this sport so much,” says Lilly Zednikova. Emotions arose in her that one might not describe even following a few days. “It was awesome.”
She is now giving her body a break for two weeks, which it deserves. Will she be back in Hawaii in 2023? Rather unlikely. Now that she has fulfilled her dream with this year’s successful participation, she needs something new. A cross triathlon appeals to her, and crossing the Pyrenees on a racing bike and the Ötztal cycle marathon are also on her agenda. The 42-year-old does not lack goals.
