Wānaka ironman Braden Currie says a penalty ruined his chances of winning the Ironman World Championship on Sunday (September 10).

Braden received a five-minute littering penalty 107 kilometres into the bike leg of the race. At the time he was in fifth position.

“It was the hardest moment of any race I’ve been in,” Braden said.

“After being given the penalty I argued with the ref on course and then emotionally I gave up as I knew that losing five minutes meant I was out of position to win.”

He rolled into the bike/run transition expecting to serve his penalty but was encouraged to continue on and appeal the penalty at the end of the race.

“There’s good people out there and the good people supported me,” Braden said. 

“They did everything in their power to encourage me to keep going, and not take the penalty and just keep racing. I felt my DQ [disqualification] was coming but I finished the marathon because I wanted to give something back to everyone who supports me.”

Having not served his penalty, Braden was disqualified after crossing the finish line.

“Again the good people encouraged me to follow due process and officially appeal the penalty. It was the last thing I felt like doing but I’m glad I did,” he said.

“The penalty and my DQ was overturned in the end. I know that Ironman and technical officials panel who made this decision were 200 percent committed to making the right decision. I am really grateful for this.”

Braden was regarded as a pre-race favourite and described the event as the ‘pinnacle of his career’. He said his preparation had been rigorous and meticulous.

Braden finished in 16th position.

PHOTO: Onphotos