19 Y-O Goa Girl Renee Noronha becomes India's Youngest Female Ironman

By: WE Staff | Monday, 30 June 2025

• Renee Noronha successfully completed the Ironman Hamburg European Championship in 14 hours
• Renee Noronha conquers a 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycling, and a 42.2 km marathon

Renee Noronha, a 19-year-old student from IIT Madras, successfully completed the Ironman Hamburg European Championship in 14 hours, slicing over 2.5 hours off her debut time in New Zealand. Renee, a second-year BSc Data Science student, credits her time management and weekly intensity adjustments for her success, completing the 3.8 km swim, 180 km cycling, and 42.2 km run in just 14 hours.

Becoming India's youngest female Ironman, Renee conquered a 3.8 km swim in 1 hr 30 mins and 33 secs, 180 km cycling in 6 hr 58 mins and 54 secs, and a 42.2 km marathon in 5 hr 16 mins and 45 secs.

The champion mentions to TOI, "Nothing is easy for endurance events, particularly Ironman, so I had to keep going. This was all about finishing the event, so after the swim and cycle, you still have to complete a full marathon. In Hamburg, when I started the run, I knew I was going to finish it. Before reaching the finish line, I pulled out the Indian flag and held it above. It was a superb feeling. I am proud of representing the country at global events."

Renee hails from Goa, transitioned from a professional gymnast to an endurance athlete between the ages of six and sixteen. She completed two Ironmans in as many years, finishing fourth in her age group and becoming the youngest full-distance Ironman finisher at Ironman New Zealand at 18. Renee is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in data science and applications from IIT Madras, hoping her story inspires more young Indians to embrace endurance sports.