Penzance Triathlete Katie Walker Places Ninth at Ironman 70.3 Worlds

Triathlete Katie Walker has secured a top ten finish on the world stage after placing ninth in the 25 to 29 age group at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Marbella.

A Rising Talent from Penzance

Katie, a 25 year old trainee accountant from Penzance, qualified for the prestigious event after taking first place as the best overall female at Ironman Bolton 70.3 in June. She joined more than 6300 competing athletes from 114 countries, regions and territories.

The Ironman 70.3 World Championship covers a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run.

“I was always sporty when I was growing up, mainly focusing on running and swimming,” said Katie. “I got into triathlon about four years ago and gradually moved from sprint and standard distance races to half Ironmans.”

Backed by Local Support

Katie receives a GLL Sport Foundation training award, giving her free access to 240 Better leisure centres and sport facilities across the country, including nine in Cornwall.

“I swim at St Ives Leisure Centre three or four times a week with a great group of faster athletes and that has really helped me push harder and stay motivated,” she said. “As a GSF athlete, I can book a session whenever I want to, and the well structured training is making a big difference.

“I work full time so I train for each of my three disciplines cycling, running and swimming early in the morning, in the evenings and at the weekend.

“My main focus over the next few years is to work hard and consistently achieve the best results I can and my goal for 2026 is to qualify for the world championships again and be strong enough to win a podium position.

“I’m very grateful to GLL for the support they give me and encourage anyone with sporting talent in Cornwall to apply for a GSF award.”

Support for Cornwall’s Athletes

In 2025, 144 Cornwall based athletes across 23 sports received GSF support worth £92,150. Of those, 72 percent receive no other central funding. More than half are under 21, 27 percent are under 16 and 8 percent live with disabilities.

Applications for 2026 GSF awards open on 20 December. More information is available at the GLL Sport Foundation website.