POREPUNKAH’S own Ironwoman Rosie Spicer has qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in October 2025, after thriving in the West Australia event.

Held from Friday, November 29-Monday, December 2 in Busselton, the WA Ironman pits the best and most mentally tough competitors against a 3.8km bay swim, 180km bike ride and a full marathon run.

With 1354 others competing, Spicer was the 75th woman across the line, 627th overall, and first in her age group.

She completed the gruelling ordeal in 12:32:34 – 1:34:12 in the swimming section, 5:39:49 on the bike, and a 5:00:46 run.

Spicer said the competition out west was one of the most difficult she has ever attempted.

“Ironman Western Australia was the hardest race I’ve ever done,” she said.

“From washing machine-like condition with one poor participant dying in the swim, to the crazy strong crosswinds and rain on the bike and head winds on the run, it was not an enjoyable race.

“But we made it, the weather wasn’t going to beat us.

“I just plodded along, finishing in first place – I always reckon the tortoise beats the hare, in my case anyway.”

Spicer will recover and train for the World Championships, set to be held in Hawaii in October next year.